AA pilots say ‘no’ to contract

American Airlines’ pilots have rejected the company’s contract offer by a vote of 4,600 to 2,935 according to the Allied Pilots Association.

American Airlines’ AMR spokesperson Bruce Hicks said American was "disappointed" and would now turn to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane for a ruling on the turn-down.

Hicks said ratification of the tentative pilots’ deal was a key component in the company’s restructuring plan.

Judge Lane is expected to rule by August 15 on AA’s request to throw out contracts with unions that have not ratified new deals. 

Some industry-insiders say AA pilots, eager for an AA/US Airways merger, may have voted ‘no’ in order to lessen the possibility that AA would shore itself up and reject the merger.