CHICAGO, May 19 Reuters American Airlines pilots have agreed in principle on a new contract, their union said on Friday, ahead of a busy summer travel season after years of negotiations with the largest U.S. carrier.

The Allied Pilots Association APA, which represents over 13,000 pilots at Texasbased American, said it will move forward with completing contractual language before presenting the contract to its board for an approval.

The union did not share contract details.

American did not quantify the contract value but said it provides pay and profit sharing that match the top of the industry with improved qualityoflife provisions.

Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said the contract lasts four years with pay rates comparable to those secured by pilots at Delta Air Lines.

American39;s contract includes improvements on scheduling, a critical issue for pilots seeking better worklife balance in a profession that often requires them to be away for days from their families, they said.

The previous contract came up for renewal in 2020. Last year, the pilots turned down an offer that included a 19 pay hike over two years.

Industry officials say Delta39;s pilot contract has become a new benchmark for contract negotiations in North America. It is fueling demands for higher wages at Canadian carriers, whose pilots want to narrow the pay gap with their U.S. counterparts.

American had estimated that matching Delta39;s deal would cost it about 8 billion over…