Delta Pilots May Have Had Enough

Getting a tentative contract agreement with pilots at Delta Air Lines(DALRQ Quote) wasn't easy. And getting the deal actually approved won't be either.

Though Delta cleared a major hurdle in reaching a preliminary pact with its pilots last week, the carrier still has plenty of work to do to maintain its franchise as one of the big three U.S. airlines. Current priorities, for instance, include resolving a labor crisis at its wholly owned regional carrier Comair, where flight attendants are threatening to strike this week.

Longer term, Delta must fix its high cost structure, even as fuel prices are rising, and produce the revenue benefits it expects from its vastly expanded international routes. In addition, the company, operating under bankruptcy protection since last September, has to resolve morale problems among its employees. ...