Pilots working for Air Transat have officially approved a new five-year labor agreement with the airline, following the initial agreement in December that prevented a strike from occurring. The company and its pilots managed to reach a last-minute agreement just before the scheduled strike, which would have impacted the busy holiday travel season.
According to a press release from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing Air Transat’s pilots, 98% of the pilots participated in the vote, with 91% voting in favor of the deal. The contract, effective from May 1, 2025, will run until April 30, 2030, as confirmed by the union.
Captain Bradley Small, the chair of the Air Transat ALPA master executive council, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the professionalism and dedication shown by the pilots in securing terms that recognize their importance to the airline’s success.
Air Transat also confirmed the ratification of the agreement through a separate news release. Transat’s President and CEO, Annick Guérard, stated that the new contract acknowledges the pilots’ contributions while enhancing operational efficiency and productivity. Guérard extended gratitude to the customers for their loyalty during the period of uncertainty.
The negotiations aimed at improving wages, job security, and overall quality of life for Air Transat pilots, aligning with recent advancements seen among pilots at other Canadian carriers like WestJet and Air Canada. Small mentioned that the updated terms cater to the current needs of the profession, aligning with agreements reached by other ALPA-represented pilot groups.
In anticipation of a potential strike, Air Transat canceled a limited number of flights last month, causing disruptions for some travelers. However, the airline swiftly resumed operations once the strike was averted.