Pilots working for Air Transat have officially approved a new five-year labor contract with the airline. The agreement was initially reached in December, narrowly preventing a strike. An imminent strike was averted at the last minute when the airline and its pilots struck a tentative deal just before the holiday travel rush.
According to a press release from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents Air Transat’s pilots, 98% of the pilots participated in the vote, with 91% voting in favor of the agreement. The contract, effective from May 1, 2025, will run until April 30, 2030.
Captain Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat ALPA master executive council, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Our pilots collaborated professionally to secure an agreement that recognizes our importance in the airline’s success.” Air Transat also confirmed the ratification of the deal in a separate announcement.
In another statement, Transat’s President and CEO, Annick Guérard, expressed pleasure at the positive vote result, describing the contract as a significant update to the pilots’ collective agreement. The new deal acknowledges the pilots’ contributions while enhancing efficiency and productivity, Guérard noted.
The ALPA had been advocating for improved wages, job security, and overall quality of life for Air Transat pilots, particularly in light of recent advancements for pilots at other Canadian carriers such as WestJet and Air Canada. Following the announcement of the tentative deal, Captain Small mentioned that the new terms align with the evolving needs of the profession and are consistent with agreements signed by other ALPA-represented pilot groups.
When the possibility of a strike loomed last month, Air Transat preemptively canceled a few flights, causing disruptions for some travelers. However, the airline swiftly resumed normal flight operations once the strike was averted.