Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and senior first officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi when the crash happened at 5.30am on Thursday.
It involved the taxi and two lorries on the westbound carriageway between junction 8 and junction 7.
The two pilots died at the scene.
Their next of kin are being supported by specialist police officers, Cheshire Police said.
Mr Greenhalgh, from Stockport, is understood to have been married and to have studied at Middlesex University.
Marple Rugby Club, where he had played alongside his dad, posted a tribute to their former player.
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