Boeing likely averted a big labor strike — but it’s still facing a bumpy landing

Cabin pressure… Raise a cup of in-flight ginger ale for Boeing, which just got its first good news of the year. On Sunday it reached a tentative deal with unions representing 33K workers who build commercial planes, likely avoiding a strike that could’ve started this week. If approved by union members, it would mark the first new contract agreement between Boeing and the unions since 2008. The company’s shares rose 3% yesterday.

• Not landed yet: A strike is still possible, though it would require a majority of workers rejecting the deal and again authorizing a strike. Union leaders have urged members to OK the agreement.

• Add-ons: Workers — many of whom live around Seattle — would get a 25% raise over four years and a promise from Boeing to build its next commercial plane in the region.

• 737Next: Boeing and rival Airbus are both said to be planning their next jets, which are expected to roll out in a decade or so.

Labor’s boarding… Aerospace and airline unions have been spreading their wings. Last year 6K workers reached a deal with Spirit AeroSystems (a major plane-parts supplier that Boeing is reacquiring) after a six-day strike. Airlines that use Boeing’s planes have also faced union strife: thousands of Southwest Airlines flight attendants reached a deal to avert a strike this year. But other contracts — including for 7K Alaska Air, 28K American Airlines Group , and 28K United Airlines cabin-crew members — are still up in the air.