The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an agreement between Delta Air Lines and the Air Line Pilots Association that reinstates participation by Delta pilots in the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).

The FAA also urged US Airways, American Airlines and their labor unions to resolve their differences and reinstate voluntary reporting programs.

“ASAP has proven to be a valuable tool in helping to spot possible safety problems before they become accidents,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We hope the other carriers will follow Delta’s lead and realize just how critical voluntary programs are to commercial aviation safety.”

“We are extremely pleased that Delta pilots are once again providing essential safety data,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Peggy Gilligan. “ASAP gives us invaluable insight into the day-to-day activities of people in our aviation system.”

ASAP encourages air carrier and repair station employees to voluntarily report safety information that may be critical to identifying and resolving potential safety issues without fear of punishment.

The programs are based on a safety partnership that includes the FAA, the company, and the employees’ labor organization or an employee representative. More than 70 operators have almost 170 programs covering pilots, mechanics, flight attendants and dispatchers, according to the FAA.