The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that Air Transat pilots will vote on a tentative agreement that brings pay raises of between 49 and 67 per cent over the five-year life of the contract. The Globe's Eric Atkins writes that the agreement between the Montreal-based carrier and the Air Line Pilots Association was reached on Tuesday night shortly before a strike deadline set by the union. The agreement, which must be approved by a majority of votes, would replace a deal reached 10 years ago. The union is presenting the proposed contract to the 750 pilots next week, with ratifications to follow. The proposed deal would see the most senior captains paid about $387,000 a year by 2029, while a senior first officer would make $238,000 a year. The tentative agreement also includes improved rules on fatigue management and quality of life, and a faster path to the highest-paid cockpit positions. Geraint Harvey, a Western University professor who researches airline labour, said pilots are highly paid because they train intensively and operate with tough schedules in a stressful, safety-sensitive position. Generally, he added, it takes years and costs $100,000 (U.S.) to obtain a commercial pilot's licence.