Mesa Air Group, the parent of go!, and its pilots union have agreed on a new contract.

The pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, ratified the new agreement with a 51 percent vote, Mesa announced yesterday.

Included in the new agreement is the implementation of a preferential bidding system which allows pilots more control over their schedules.

Additionally, the pilots can expect to be back at the bargaining table in 21 months to work toward more improvements with what they hope will be a healthier company in a more stable industry.

“;This new agreement represents a step forward for all Mesa pilots,”; said Capt. Kevin Wilson, chairman of the ALPA unit at Mesa. “;No concessions were made for this contract, which is no small feat, given the state of our company and the industry. Thanks to our negotiators and the support of ALPA, we were able to achieve significant quality of life and other improvements at or above industry average.”;

The Mesa pilots' contract became amendable in September 2007. A tentative agreement was reached after 10 months of negotiations, and went to the membership for ratification on Oct. 2.

Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa's chairman and chief executive, said negotiations were friendly and cooperative.

“;We were able to get a deal that is truly a win-win for everyone,”; said Ornstein. “;The pilots were very realistic in appraising the current industry situation. They realized what we had to do to stay competitive. It's a credit to all the parties involved that everyone handled it in a professional way.”;

However, Wilson said that many pilots voiced their distrust and lack of faith in the company. Nearly 77 percent of eligible pilots voted - with 51 percent in favor.

“;While changes are taking place, the outcome of this vote is a clear indication that there is still much work to be done,”; said Wilson.

ALPA represents nearly 1,200 pilots at Mesa Air Group, including Mesa and Freedom Airlines. Approximately 60 pilots work for go!