The Unite union described the deal as “game changing” and warned other aviation employers workers would no longer accept the "poor wages and conditions" typically associated with the sector, singling out British Airways – the largest airline at Heathrow – as one such employer that should pay attention.

All Heathrow-based crew employed by CAE on its contract for SAS Connect will received a phased 18% pay increase, starting with an immediate 11% uplift. This will then be followed by a further 4% pay increase in November and another 3% increase in March 2023.

The deal, said Unite, “reverses a 10% pay cut accepted by the workforce during the pandemic” and also introduces long service payments, with staff receiving an extra 7% for every two years served (for up to eight years service). These payments will be backdated.

Additionally, workers on the SAS contract will receive a one-off £1,200 summer bonus for 2022, as well as increases in overnight rates and “other pay elements”.

“This is a game-changing deal for our members working on the SAS Connect contract,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “It will see the reversal of the 10% cut to their wages made during the pandemic and a substantial increase in their pay.

“I strongly advise other aviation employers, including British Airways, to take note. Without across the board, drastic improvements to the poor wages and working conditions within this sector, the staff shortages driving the chaos at airports will continue.” 

Unite regional officer Lindsey Olliver added: “It is testament to our Unite representatives and negotiating team that we have been able to secure this pay award. This outstanding result is a reminder of what can be achieved when a well-organised, unionised workforce stands together.

“Without this deal, CAE would not have been able to retain staff in the UK’s increasingly competitive aviation sector.”