AIP Process and Initial Timeline

Fellow Pilots,

Last week, the Allegiant Board of Directors approved the Agreement in Principle between the Union Negotiating Committee and Company.

In the days since, many pilots have asked important questions about what comes next, what certain terms mean, and when key milestones will occur. The provided timeline outlines the key milestones leading up to ratification and implementation, while also providing clarity on the overall process from this point forward.

Below is an overview of key terms and the next steps in the process.

BRIDGE AGREEMENT

A short-duration contract designed to bridge the gap from the current Collective Bargaining Agreement to a future Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). Historically, bridge agreements have followed mergers, acquisitions, or major operational transitions and have been used across the industry to provide interim contractual stability, improvements to working conditions, and improvements compensation in anticipation of JCBA negotiations. Examples include Delta Air Lines / Northwest Airlines, United Airlines / Continental Airlines, American Airlines / US Airways, and Alaska Airlines / Virgin America. In each case, pilots operated under a bridge agreement while JCBA negotiation progressed.

AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE (AIP)

A preliminary agreement between the Union and Company regarding the contractual terms and conditions of a new agreement, resulting in the end of active bargaining.

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT (TA)

The Tentative Agreement contains all proposed changes to the current contract, including the 2016 Agreement and related Letters of Agreement, expressed in full contract language.

RATIFICATION VOTE

A formal YES or NO vote by pilots on whether to accept the Tentative Agreement.

WHAT’S NEXT?

FINALIZING LANGUAGE AND PROOFREADING

The Union Negotiating Committee and Company negotiating team, along with their respective legal counsel, are working together to convert the AIP into full contract language. This stage includes finalizing language and tracking changes against the 2016 CBA, defining new terms, setting forth examples of how provisions will be administered, and reaching agreement on how new contract language impacts existing SBA and arbitration awards, and related tasks.

This stage ensures every provision of the proposed agreement is accurately written, internally consistent, and fully aligned with the intent of the parties without altering negotiated outcomes. Diligent, well executed work here helps mitigate the risk of possible disagreements which can lead to unnecessary contract violations and grievances.

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED

The process of finalizing proposed contract language is completed by the Union Negotiating Committee and the Company, the document is designated by the parties as the Tentative Agreement.

EXECUTIVE BOARD and IBT AIRLINE DIVISION APPROVAL

If the Tentative Agreement is approved by the Executive Board and the IBT Airline Division, it will be officially announced and presented to the pilot group for review and ratification consideration.

ROAD SHOW AND EDUCATION

A structured communication and education period where the Negotiating Committee presents the agreement in detail, explains changes, and answers pilot questions through in-person and virtual sessions, summaries, and supporting materials.

RATIFICATION VOTE

Members in good standing vote on whether to accept or reject the Tentative Agreement. A voting period and method will be announced, and pilots will have the opportunity to cast a YES or NO vote on ratification of the Tentative Agreement.

IMPLEMENTATION

If the Tentative Agreement is ratified, it is implemented according to the agreed upon timeline, including pay adjustments, language changes, scheduling rules, and system updates, as set forth in the Tentative Agreement.

The Union Negotiating Committee is currently working on finalizing contract language for inclusion in a Tentative Agreement, implementation terms, and explanatory materials in anticipation of the upcoming Bridge Agreement roadshow.

In light of this work, the Union Negotiating Committee has developed an estimated timeline of key events leading up to a ratification vote and the subsequent Retention Bonus payout if the proposed agreement is ratified. While the duration of each event is approximate, both the Union and Company have agreed to work diligently toward completing their remaining joint work to coincide a ratification vote count date of June 30, 2026.

RETENTION BONUS

The next Negotiating Committee update will discuss the Retention Bonus payout under the Interim Agreement and related TA ratification procedures.

We want to hear from you! For questions regarding the agreement or process, pilots are encouraged to submit your questions to TA.FAQ@apa2118.org.