Air Canada pilots approve new $1.9 billion contract

“This contract is the largest labour agreement in Air Canada’s history and reflects contributions that our pilots bring to the success of our airline. This agreement helps restore what Air Canada pilots have lost over the past two decades and creates a strong foundation from which to build on,” said First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council, in a news release. “We look forward to working under these improved pay rates and working conditions while continuing to connect our passengers to Canada, North America, and the world.”

According to The Globe and Mail, the contract is valued at approximately $1.9 billion.

“We are very pleased this new collective agreement has been approved by our pilot group. The agreement is mutually beneficial and it will keep our pilots the best compensated in Canada and provide the work-life balance improvements they were seeking. At the same time, the agreement gives our company flexibility and creates a framework for future growth of the airline and its network. We look forward to working with our pilots under this renewed partnership,” said Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive of Air Canada, in a news release from the airline.

In September, the airline and its pilots averted a potential strike, reaching the last-minute deal just hours before scaling down the carrier’s operations.