Pilots employed by Air Transat have officially approved a new five-year contract with the airline after a tentative agreement was initially reached in December, narrowly averting a potential strike. The last-minute deal between the company and its pilots was struck just before the scheduled strike action, which would have disrupted travel plans during the busy holiday season.
According to a press release from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing Air Transat’s pilots, 98% of the pilots voted on the contract, with 91% voting in favor of the agreement. The ratified five-year contract, effective from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2030, was confirmed by the union.
Captain Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat ALPA master executive council, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Our pilots worked together professionally to secure an agreement that acknowledges our importance in the airline’s success.” The airline also confirmed the ratification of the agreement in a separate announcement.
Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Transat, welcomed the positive vote, highlighting the comprehensive changes in the pilots’ collective agreement that recognize their contributions while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Guérard expressed gratitude to customers for their continued support during the period of uncertainty.
The new agreement sought by ALPA aimed to improve wages, job security, and overall quality of life for Air Transat pilots, aligning with recent advancements in collective agreements for pilots at other Canadian airlines. Following the announcement of the tentative deal, Captain Small mentioned that the terms addressed the current needs of the profession in line with agreements reached by other ALPA-represented pilot groups.
During the period of uncertainty surrounding the potential strike, Air Transat preemptively canceled a few flights, causing disruptions for some travelers. However, flight operations quickly resumed normal schedules once the strike threat was averted.