American Airlines Pilots Agree to Contract

Company can now focus on getting out of bankruptcy

American Airlines pilots agreed to a new contract on Friday, their union said, paving the way for the carrier to come out of its yearlong bankruptcy.

The Allied Pilots Association said the new collective agreement was endorsed by 74 percent of pilots who cast a ballot. Last August, in a surprise move, American's pilots overwhelmingly rejected a similar deal with the airline.

The union said 96 percent of its eligible members voted on the new contract, with 5,489 in favor and 1,951 against.With a new contract, American Airlines has mostly completed its reorganization. This was the last big hurdle to clear before the carrier and its creditors could focus on the big strategic question looming ahead: should American pursue a merger with US Airways or remain independent for now?