Air Canada Pilots Respond to Airline’s Record Q4/2023 Financial Results
TORONTO—The Air Canada pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have responded to Air Canada’s Q4 and FY2023 financial results. The airline reported record full-year operating revenues of $21.8 billion, up 32 percent from 2022, and $3.982 billion in adjusted pretax profit—more than twice that of full-year 2022. Meanwhile, Air Canada also reported strong fourth-quarter operating revenues of $5.175 billion, up 11 percent from the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Air Canada pilots congratulate their airline on today’s announcement and remain fully invested in their company’s financial success. “Today’s earnings report shows that Air Canada continues to grow, thanks in large part to the contributions Air Canada pilots made throughout this past holiday season, and beyond,” said F/O Charlene Hudy, Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chair. “Air Canada is one of the most profitable airlines in North America but has yet to recognize the value of its pilots and compensate them accordingly. As the Air Canada pilots continue to negotiate a new contract, we look forward to sharing in the Company’s success,” she continued.
Air Canada pilots have been in contract negotiations with Air Canada for over seven months. Their existing nearly decade-old contract, which expired on September 29, 2023, is outdated, and does not reflect today’s world.
Pilots at comparable airlines in the United States are paid 50–300 percent more than pilots in Canada. Currently, up to 500 Air Canada pilots are working with U.S. immigration firms, in search of a contract that better reflects their efforts and experience. In addition, 70 percent of Air Canada pilots say that the outcome of the current negotiations will impact their decision to stay at Air Canada, seek employment at more attractive airlines, or leave the profession entirely. This is amidst a pilot-supply crisis.
“In light of today’s announcement from Air Canada, we want to remind them that their future success, both financially and operationally, will require them to recognize the value in its pilots, and take steps to attract and retain experienced pilots in the flight deck. The Air Canada pilots deserve a world-class contract that better reflects today’s world—one that addresses career progression, job security, quality-of-life concerns, and closes the growing wage gap between the United States and Canada,” said Hudy.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
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