In October 2014, Air Canada pilots, then represented by the Air Canada Pilots Association, voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new 10-year agreement with the company.[1]

A contract of such duration was unprecedented in the airline industry. Both sides said at the time it would provide stable and secure employment, improved career progression for pilots, guaranteed compensation increases and the opportunity to share in the airline’s financial success, while providing the company the stability and flexibility required to grow.[2]

Since the agreement was reached:

• In line with Air Canada’s growth, the number of Air Canada pilots has increased to over 5,200 pilots from approximately 3,000 in 2014. Air Canada has always had strong retention and, in particular, its attrition rate has been less than 0.05 per cent annually on average for pilots going to US airlines during this period. Air Canada’s total employment has also grown to 37,200 full time equivalent employees, from 24,426 as of December 31, 2014.

• The average Air Canada pilot’s income has increased by more than twice the rate of inflation.

• Air Canada’s fleet of aircraft has grown from 200 aircraft as of December 2014, to 252 aircraft as of June 30, 2024. Air Canada currently has firm orders for an additional 90 new aircraft to be delivered by 2029, providing more growth and opportunities for pilots than any other airline in Canada.

• Air Canada’s overall capacity, measured by available seat miles, increased from the end of 2014 by more than 50 per cent to a pre-COVID peak by the end of 2019, creating more flying for pilots. The airline continues to rebuild its network following COVID, with capacity for the full year 2024 projected to be approximately 40 per cent more than in 2014.

Contacts:           media@aircanada.com                     

   Online:                www.aircanada.com/media                 

Corporate Communications: August 28, 2024

[1] The pilots voted 84 per cent in favour of the new contract, with 92 per cent taking part in the vote.

[2]  https://www.wingsmagazine.com/air-canada-pilots-ratify-new-agreement-with-the-airline-11177/