Air Canada pilots overwhelmingly approved a new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday, marking the airline's largest-ever labor contract. The deal, valued at approximately $1.9 billion, includes substantial pay increases and quality-of-life improvements, aiming to align pilot compensation with that of their U.S. counterparts. The agreement, negotiated between Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), which represents over 5,200 pilots, saw an impressive 99% ratification rate among the workforce, with 67% of Air Canada's pilots voting in favor. Pilots will receive a 26% retroactive pay increase dating back to September 2023, followed by annual raises of 4% through 2026. This adjustment is intended to address long-standing concerns about wage disparities between Canadian and U.S. airline pilots. First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council, stated in a news release, "This contract is the largest labour agreement in Air Canada’s history and reflects contributions that our pilots bring to the success of our airline. This agreement helps restore what Air Canada pilots have lost over the past two decades and creates a strong foundation from which to build on. We look forward to working under these improved pay rates and working conditions while continuing to connect our passengers to Canada, North America, and the world."