Air Transat and Pilot Union Strike Settlement Reached: Details Inside

Air Transat, a Canadian airline, has successfully reached a tentative agreement with the pilots’ union, thus averting a planned strike and potential flight disruptions.

On December 9, 2025, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) shared that the proposed preliminary contract agreement had received approval, allowing its members to cast their votes.

Captain Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC), expressed frustration over the outdated collective agreement that pilots were working under. He emphasized that the lengthy discussions had been stalled by the airline’s management during nearly a year of negotiations.

More than 750 pilots are expected to vote on this new agreement soon, indicating a crucial step towards resolution.

This proposed contract includes a notable 59% salary increase over the next five years while also introducing significant enhancements to working conditions.

ALPA highlighted that the new tentative agreement aims to promote job security, better compensation, and flexible schedules, supporting a healthier work-life balance for pilots.

“Our current pilot contract has not kept pace with industry standards in Canada and North America,” continued Small. “We believe this new agreement aligns with the needs of today’s profession and reflects collective agreements other ALPA-represented pilot groups are entering into.”

On December 10, 2025, Air Transat confirmed the agreement, assuring customers that travel could proceed without worry as the airline’s operations stabilize.

The negotiations, which started in January 2025, took 11 months without reaching a resolution until now, as they aimed to replace the existing agreement from 2015.

An earlier strike notice was issued on December 7, 2025, after discussions reached an impasse, with the union expressing that no meaningful progress was being made.

This incident marks the second major strike involving a Canadian airline in 2025, following a brief four-day strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August, which sought better pay and caused significant travel disruptions for many passengers.

As developments unfold, how do you feel about the progress being made in airline negotiations? Your thoughts are welcome!