Airlines
IATA reports March demand up, but with sharp regional differences
IATA is reporting that passenger demand in March grew by 2.1%, but its data reveals ‘sharp regional differences.’ The results show that: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 2.1% compared to March 2025. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased 1.7% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.6% (+3.1 ppt compared to March 2025). International demand fell -0.6% compared to March 2025. Capacity was down -6.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.1% (+4.7 ppt compared to March 2025). The overall decline in...
Air Canada welcomes Flight Operations Crew Schedulers, In-Flight Crew Schedulers ratification votes
Air Canada is welcoming the ratification votes by Flight Operations Crew Schedulers and In-Flight Crew Schedulers, represented by Unifor, approving a new collective agreement between the airline and Unifor. The four-year collective agreements are in effect until May 22, 2029. Unifor represents approximately 100 Flight Operations Crew Schedulers and 90 In-Flight Crew Schedulers based in Canada. Mike Abbott, Vice-President, Labour Relations, said that: “On behalf of Air Canada, I would like to thank the members of the Unifor and Air Canada bargaining teams for their hard work and...
Air France celebrates 50th anniversary of Paris-Toronto route with La patisserie pop-up
Air France is giving Toronto a little taste of what the airline offers its passengers on board, with the opening of La patisserie – a limited time pop-up pastry shop on Bloor Street West in the city’s downtown core. The pop-up boutique, open until May 17, is also Air France’s creative way of marking the 50th anniversary of its Paris-Toronto route (which was launched on May 21, 1976) by giving Torontonians a chance to sample some wonderful pastry, enjoy a coffee and, generally experience Air France’s signature service beyond travel itself. Located at 151 Bloor Street West –...
Air Transat set to shine this winter with new destinations from Montreal
Air Transat is three new destinations to its winter 2026-2027 program, with the introduction of Oranjestad, Aruba (AUA), Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI), and San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) from Montreal. Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat, said that: “Demand for sun destinations remains strong, and these three new routes from Montreal allow us to meet that demand by expanding our offering.” Ponce explained: “By adding Aruba, Barbados and Los Cabos, we are continuing to execute a strategy focused on diversifying and optimizing our network to the South, for the...
Air Canada celebrates arrivals of its first Airbus A321XLR
Air Canada has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, marking a milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal and growth. The fleet renewal will include a total of 30 of the A321XLR aircraft – 15 will be leased, while 15 are being acquired directly from Airbus S.A.S. – which will be entering its fleet over the coming years. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, said that: “Air Canada is building one of the most modern and capable fleets in the industry. The Airbus A321XLR introduces a dynamic new component...
Canadian North pilots ratify tentative agreement
Canadian North pilots -- represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) -- voted to ratify a tentative agreement (TA) reached with Canadian North management. Out of the 94 percent of eligible pilots who voted, 87 percent voted in favour of the new collective agreement. The three-year deal offers improvements to scheduling, compensation, and quality of life. Canadian North Master Executive Council chair First Officer Steven Bard, said: “This contract sets an important milestone for our pilots and for the long‑term stability of our airline. This achievement...
Transat reduces capacity, extends Cuba flight suspension
Transat A.T. Inc. is revising 2026 program, with targeted adjustments on certain routes, in response to the unprecedented aviation fuel crisis and exceptional volatility in energy markets. The company said that the measures are intended to optimize deployed capacity by prioritizing routes with the strongest performance outlook, as part of the Company's ongoing operational discipline. The changes implemented to date represent a 6% reduction in planned capacity from May to October 2026. Transat has been facing significant fuel price volatility for several weeks, as well as supply...
Flair pilots file for conciliation as negotiations hit impasse
The Flair Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) has filed for conciliation with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) following an impasse in negotiations with management. Flair MEC chair First Officer Aimee Wintle said: “Our pilot group is more united than ever. We are ready to reach our second collective agreement and secure one we deserve.” And Wintle continued: “After eight months of negotiations, we remain focused on securing a fair agreement that advances quality of life, compensates pilots properly, strengthens...