Delta pilots oppose larger regional aircraft, in blow to Embraer: sources

Montreal

DELTA Air Lines Inc pilots are expected to keep existing rules in their new labour contract that prevent the No 2 US carrier from flying aircraft above a certain weight on regional routes - in a blow to Embraer SA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, whose latest models exceed that limit.

The pilots' new labour contract will keep what is known as a "scope clause", which restricts planes heavier than 86,000 pounds and with more than 76 seats from being flown on regional routes, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.