Members of the British Air Line Pilots’ Association (Balpa) have signed a new pay and scheduling deal with regional airline Flybe.

The deal was described as “significant”, both in terms of the quantum and in terms of the relationship between the groups going forward, heralding a “new era” in industrial relations.

Mark Firth, Flybe pilot and company council chairman, commented: “We are extremely happy with the result of the pay and scheduling ballot.

“After a protracted period of negotiation, and with support from BALPA personnel, we are pleased that our members have accepted what we feel is the great deal in the marketplace.

“This new era will also see an evolution of our scheduling agreement, which will be locked into the current UK CAA regulations, and Flybe managers working more closely with our Company council.”

The agreement comprises a three year pay deal from April 2010 to March 31st, 2013, and a five year scheduling agreement covering the period until March 2016.

No details of the terms agreed were disclosed.