Air Canada Strike Ends, But Return to Normal Operations Will Take Time

Air Canada (Photo: IndiaTimes / Phaata)

Air Canada said it will begin to gradually ramp up operations today after the conclusion of a strike that had put 75% or more of its air cargo volumes at risk of disruption and delays.

The airline's operations have been at a standstill since August 16, but in a press release on the morning of August 19, Air Canada announced it would restart service after reaching a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.

Air Canada stated in a press release that the mediated talks were initiated on the basis of the union's commitment to have its 10,000 flight attendants return to work immediately.

The airline did not comment specifically on its plan to restore cargo operations or how it would handle delayed shipments. However, Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, said it could take more than a week for operations to return to normal.

Air Cargo News has requested more information on the impact to cargo operations.

Rousseau said: "The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologise for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible."

"Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon."

The first flights were scheduled for the evening of August 19, but the airline's return to full, regular service could take seven to ten days because aircraft and crews are out of position.

During this process, some flights will be canceled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized, Air Canada stated.

During the agreement's ratification or a binding arbitration process, a strike or lockout is not possible.

Previously, Air Canada Cargo had implemented a modified freighter schedule to protect up to 25% of its volumes, meaning 75% or more of its cargo was at risk of disruption and delays.

The business had also temporarily stopped accepting new booking requests for specialized cargo and stated that any existing bookings could be subject to delays or cancellations.

According to data from Planespotters, Air Canada has six Boeing 767-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) converted aircraft in addition to its 200 passenger planes.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Air Cargo News)

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