Course 'Now Set' for Restart of Airline Operations

Capt. Pierre Lessard, chair of the Master Executive Council (MEC) for the Air Transat pilots, released the following statement acknowledging the ratification of their latest letter of understanding (LOU) with the Company.

“We are happy our pilot membership has voted overwhelmingly in favor of this new agreement with the Company. LOU 29, approved by 87 percent of those who voted, means over 470 pilots are finally able to get back to work after 16 months of being grounded.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global travel restrictions, and an extended negotiation between the government and our employer to secure much-needed assistance, this latest development is a positive sign for our members, and all Canadians, that a return to normalcy is closer than it has been since the beginning of the pandemic.

“The first recalls of pilots have already begun in order to start their training — as the resumption of flights continues to increase with each step forward with regards to the easing of travel restrictions.

“We anticipate it will still be several more weeks or even months before restrictions will be fully lifted, however, we echo ALPA Canada's calls for the government to finally provide for more clarity on their travel and tourism restart plan, in order to ensure the successful recall and retraining of our pilots and other aviation workers across Canada. Providing ample time for a smooth transition will lead to the safest and most successful return to air travel as passenger loads return to prepandemic levels.”

FMI: www.alpa.org