United and Continental reach transition agreement with pilots; still need a joint contract

UAL, Continental pilots reach transition agreement

CHICAGO — United Airlines and Continental Airlines say they’ve agreed to the main points of a transition agreement with their pilots.

Pilots at both airlines are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, but they have different contracts. The two airlines are aiming to combine by the end of this year, although integrating their workers and operations will take longer.

The airlines said on Tuesday that the agreement-in-principle addresses how they will operate during the transition. They’ll still need to work out a final joint contract, and combine their seniority lists.

If the deal happens, the combined United would be the biggest airline in the world.