The overwhelming approval represents a personal victory for Hummel, a Philadelphia-based Airbus captain, who has championed the agreement despite vocal opposition from pilot leaders, often viewed as hardliners opposed to cooperation with management, in Charlotte and Philadelphia.

FORBES: US Airways Pilots Approve Merger Contract in Win for Union President

He secured the agreement of his colleagues on the LEP to write to the prime minister suggesting Birmingham could pilot Lord Heseltine's new localist agenda, in partnership with the region's public and private sectors.

BBC: Birmingham bidding for the economic growth jackpot