Spirit Airlines Inc. and its pilots reached a tentative contract agreement that may end the first strike at a U.S. passenger airline since 2005, the union for the employees said.

Flight operations, which have been suspended since June 12, will resume June 18, the carrier said on its website. The pilots won’t return to work until contract language and some additional details are resolved, Doug Baj, spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association, said in an e-mail, without giving specifics.

Pilots at the closely held carrier walked off the job after three years of negotiations failed to result in a contract. Talks resumed yesterday, and the pending accord was reached today.

“We expect to update you later today with further news that will be positive,” Baj said.

Misty Pinson, a spokeswoman for Miramar, Florida-based Spirit, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail or telephone call seeking comment. The airline is owned by private equity firms Indigo Partners LLC and Oaktree Capital Management LLC.

A strike by mechanics at Northwest Airlines Corp. in 2005 was the last major work stoppage at a U.S. passenger carrier before the Spirit walkout.

(Source: Business Week)