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

Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) pilots are expected to keep existing rules in their new labor contract that prevent the U.S. No. 2 carrier from flying aircraft above a certain weight on regional routes, in a blow to Embraer SA (EMBR3.SA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd <7011.T>, whose latest models exceed that limit. The pilots' new labor 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. The clause effectively protects well-paid pilot jobs at major airlines, as it prevents the carrier from using bigger planes on outsourced regional routes, which generally pay less well and have inferior working conditions.