PORTLAND, Ore., May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Air pilots, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) have approved an amendment to their existing eight-year contract. Horizon is a regional airline that flies as Alaska Airlines.

The amended contract contains a significant increase to pilot compensation, offered to both new and existing pilots, with Horizon's starting pay now at the top end of the regional airline industry pay scale at all steps. This, coupled with the company's generous incentive pay programs, top-tier 401k match, industry-leading flight deck technology and desirable Pacific Northwest bases, make Horizon Air the best regional airline for pilots.

"These agreements were achieved in partnership with IBT to ensure the company has top-tier pay for our pilots. This much needed pay increase, together with the incentive bonus programs in place, will enable us to attract and retain the best pilots in the industry to meet the increasing demands of our growing airline," said Brad Lambert, Horizon's vice president of flight operations and systems operations control.

The contract becomes amendable on December 2024. There were 531 eligible pilot voters and among the 88 percent of pilots who voted, 79 percent approved ratification.

Pilots are covered by the Railway Labor Act, so labor agreements do not expire; they become amendable and remain in effect until a new contract is ratified.

To learn more about career opportunities at Horizon Air, pilots can visit the careers page at http://horizonair.jobs/career-opportunities-pilots/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QXPilotRecruiting/.

Horizon Air is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group and flies to 39 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.