Air Transat is preparing to gradually shut down its flight program early this week after receiving a 72-hour strike notice from the union representing its pilots. The carrier says it will begin cancelling flights on 08DEC, with a full suspension of operations expected by 09DEC if no agreement is reached.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents roughly 750 Air Transat pilots, served the carrier with the notice on 07DEC. It means a walkout could begin as early as 10DEC if the parties fail to reach a deal.
Air Transat says it believes a negotiated agreement is still possible and describes the strike notice as “premature” given what it calls significant progress at the table. The company says it has offered a five-year deal including a 59% wage increase and improved working conditions, and characterizes the union’s demands as unreasonable.
To avoid aircraft, crews, and passengers being stranded abroad in the event of a strike, the airline is initiating a controlled wind-down of operations over the next three days. The carrier plans to progressively cancel flights starting 08DEC and focus on repatriating customers and aircraft to their points of origin by 09DEC.
Air Transat says its priority is to minimize disruption for customers and is offering additional flexibility for those scheduled to travel within the next five days, allowing changes or postponements without extra fees. Customers whose flights are cancelled will be contacted with available options and are urged to verify their flight status on the airline’s website or app, where further details are posted at airtransat.com/strike.
