MONTREAL — With their own contract negotiations set to begin in January 2025, Air Transat’s pilots are congratulating Air Canada pilots on the Oct. 10 ratification of the largest labour agreement in Air Canada’s history.

They also “strongly encourage our management team to follow in the footsteps of Air Canada.”

Capt. Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued a statement.

“On behalf of more than 700 Air Transat pilots, congratulations to Air Canada pilots on securing one of the largest labour agreements in Canadian aviation history. This historical agreement raises the bar for pilots in Canada and establishes a benchmark for pattern bargaining, with a particular focus on compensation and quality of life across the industry,” said Capt. Small.

“Air Transat pilots begin contract negotiations with Air Transat management in January and strongly encourage our management team to follow in the footsteps of Air Canada by acknowledging the market trends in the aviation sector and recognizing the value, skill, and experience our pilots bring to the airline and our passengers daily.

“Over the past 18 months, ALPA represented pilots at WestJet, WestJet Encore, and several other carriers who were forced by their management teams to the brink of strike or lockout scenarios before finally understanding that needlessly creating labour unrest erodes consumer confidence, negatively impacts workplace morale, and does little to help the airline.

“We are committed to the success of our airline and aim to ensure that Air Transat continues to be an industry leader as we work together towards recognizing the company’s future growth strategies,” he added.