Royal Air Maroc (RAM) reportedly reached an agreement with the National Trade Union of Moroccan Pilots (AMPL) Aug. 14, ending a four-week dispute that caused 150 flight delays and cancellations during the peak holiday season.

According to the daily Morocco World News, the pilots union—which began strike action July 18—had asked for better working conditions and a salary increase of MAD15,000 ($1,573) per month.

According to the Maghreb Post, the union said there was no strike, but pilots avoided working extra hours, which created delays and cancellations.

It is unclear if RAM decided to increase pilot salaries. The SkyTeam member said the agreement is “reinstating a climate of confidence.”

Both parties said in the Aug. 14 joint statement that “RAM and AMPL welcome the conclusion of this agreement, which emanates from their awareness of the major economic and social issues of the country and the essential role of tourism,” they stated.

“The agreement also reflects the awareness of both parties of the importance of the pilots’ professional corps, the imperative need to maintain optimal working conditions in relation to their particular professional environment,” according to the statement, which did not give further details of the negotiations.

ATW understands that many RAM pilots have left the company in the past years to accept better pay offers from large Gulf carriers, leaving the Moroccan flag carrier understaffed.

The conflict appears to have been resolved right before the end of August, the most profitable summer month when the airline transports Morocco’s 32,000 Hajj pilgrims back from Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Kurt Hofmann hofmann.aviation@netway.at