Stories

Careers in Sustainable Aviation

As the world increasingly invests in sustainable aviation, many exciting green jobs have emerged throughout the industry.

Andrew Chen
Verified

Edited By:

Steve Spears

SAF-powered engine
Rolls-Royce unveils a 100% SAF engine. [Photo - Rolls-Royce]

Environmental sustainability has played a growing role in the aviation industry in recent years. Virtually every airline, airport, and aircraft manufacturer has developed sustainability initiatives to help them reduce their impact on climate change and adapt to its effects.

The prominence of sustainability in the industry has also led to a new category of jobs. New positions have emerged as governments and companies attempt to build a greener and more sustainable aviation sector.

While some of these roles are with existing companies, there are also new employers whose entire businesses are dedicated to sustainable aviation. With the existence of these novel opportunities, there are now many new unique and exciting green career paths for those looking to work in the aviation industry.

Sustainability-Based Jobs and Employers

Some employers are entirely in the business of developing green technologies or practices for aviation. These companies will be of interest to those seeking a career immersed in the world of sustainability. Examples include:

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Development

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – also sometimes known as biofuels – have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the aviation industry. SAF is produced from sources like non-food crops, municipal waste, carbon capture, and discarded oils and fats.

Although there have already been limited applications of SAF in commercial aviation, challenges involving cost, logistics, and technology are still preventing widespread adoption. As such, there are many job opportunities in the development and implementation of SAF with employers ranging from biofuel companies to engine manufacturers.

Electric Aircraft Manufacturing and Development

Another area of intense technological development is electrical aircraft. Aircraft powered by electricity – rather than carbon-emitting fossil fuels – could play a significant role in decarbonizing the aviation industry.

Many companies are working on electrical aircraft, from existing aircraft manufacturers like Embraer and Boeing to all-new startups like Archer Aviation and Heart Aerospace. Aircraft currently under development range from small general aviation aircraft to regional airliners.

The agreement with Southwest Airlines sets the stage for Archer’s flagship Midnight air taxi to serve airports across California. (Photo: Archer Aviation)

Given the immense amount of work required to bring these products to the skies, there are a large number of jobs available in this field. Many electrical aircraft manufacturers are actively hiring for a wide variety of positions, and the number of jobs in this space is expected to grow.

Other Green Aviation Jobs

While employers like SAF companies and electrical aircraft manufacturers are entirely focused on green aviation, there are also sustainability-based jobs with many other employers in the aviation industry. Here are some examples:

Aerospace Engineering

Electrical aircraft manufacturers naturally hire large numbers of aerospace engineers, but engineers at other companies also work on sustainable aviation. For example, aircraft manufacturers are heavily invested in improving fuel efficiency, in part to reduce carbon emissions. Similarly, engine manufacturers are also working towards reducing fuel burn and ensuring that their engines can use SAF.

Sustainability Advisors and Managers

Almost every major airline and airport has employees who manage sustainability within the organization. Sustainability advisors and managers develop and lead the organization’s green initiatives, working with internal and external stakeholders throughout the process.

Academic Research

While there is a significant amount of scientific research being done at private companies, academic researchers are also working on developing green technologies and practices. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration’s latest sustainability grants included funding for the University of Illinois, which plans on creating a testing facility for electrified aircraft systems.

A Challenging but Exciting Field

Improving sustainability in the aviation industry is a challenging long-term mission. The increasing amount of investment in this space has led to the creation of new career opportunities, marking a trend that is likely to grow. Careers in sustainable aviation offer not only the chance to improve the industry, but also the opportunity to contribute to a cleaner planet for the future.

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

Air Senegal Halts U.S. Flights Amid Operational Struggles

Air Senegal has made notable adjustments to its flight operations, including the discontinuation of its Dakar-New York-JFK route.

Victor Shalton
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Air Senegal A330neo
An Air Senegal A330neo (Photo: Airbus)

Air Senegal has made notable adjustments to its flight operations, including the discontinuation of its Dakar-New York-JFK route. According to Aeroroutes on Aug. 23, the airline stopped accepting bookings for flights on or after Sept. 19, effectively ending its service on this transatlantic route.

The final flight from Dakar to New York is set to depart on Sept. 15, with the last return flight leaving New York on Sept. 16. Air Senegal had been operating this route twice a week, using an Airbus A340-300, leased from HiFly Malta.

Air Senegal began its U.S. operations on Sept. 2, 2021, initially offering flights from Dakar to New York-JFK with continuing service to Washington Dulles. The airline had initially intended to start flights between Dakar and Washington Dulles in September 2019, following South African Airways’ withdrawal from its route between these cities earlier that year. After South African Airways exited the Senegal to U.S. market, Delta Air Lines remained the only carrier offering nonstop flights between the two nations.

Central Africa Network Changes

In addition to its U.S. routes, Air Senegal has also suspended services on several routes to Central Africa. Affected routes include:

  • Dakar – Cotonou – Libreville – Douala: Operating once weekly with an Airbus A319, with the last flight available on Sept. 14, 2024.
  • Dakar – Cotonou – Douala – Libreville: Also operating once weekly with an Airbus A319, with the final flight on Sept. 19, 2024.

In 2022, Air Sénégal had already considered closing its routes to Cotonou, Douala, and Libreville, effective October 31 of that year. This plan to withdraw from Central Africa, initially intended to last until March 2023, was ultimately suspended. Last June, the airline resumed services to Milan, Barcelona, and Lyon-Marseille after five months of suspension. Although these European routes contributed to 11% of the company’s revenue, they accounted for nearly a third of its losses.

These decisions are part of Air Senegal’s broader efforts to navigate ongoing operational challenges and market conditions. The airline’s fleet, which currently includes eight aircraft, is facing the possible immobilization of half its capacity. This situation follows a legal ruling from a U.S. court on Aug. 21, 2024, granting American leasing firm Carlyle Aviation the authority to seize four aircraft leased to Air Senegal due to $10 million in unpaid fees. The aircraft affected by this ruling include two Airbus A319-100s and two A321-200s, leased since 2018.

The specific aircraft involved are two A319-100s (6V-AMA, MSN 2897, leased in November 2018, and 6V-AMB, MSN 3078, leased in May 2019) and two A321-200s (6V-AMC, MSN 1881, leased in November 2020, and 6V-AMD, MSN 1921, leased in February 2021).

In early August, Air Senegal appointed Tidiane Ndiaye as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the dismissal of Alioune Badara Fall during a board meeting on Aug. 1, 2024. Ndiaye is the airline’s fifth CEO in seven years. While no official reason was provided for Fall’s departure, Air Senegal has faced mounting scrutiny in recent months.

Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

How to Become an Aviation Data Analyst

Like many other sectors, the global aviation industry heavily relies on data analysis to inform important business decisions.

Andrew Chen
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Data is a powerful tool in the aviation industry. (Photo: Shutterstock | Ekapol Sirachainan)

Like many other sectors, the aviation industry heavily relies on data to inform business decisions. Many companies therefore employ specialized data analysts to perform work in this important area.

What Does an Aviation Data Analyst Do?

Data analysts are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data to identify trends and develop insights. Specific tasks can include:

  • Collecting data using tracking tools, surveys, and existing datasets
  • Cleaning and organizing data, removing outliers, errors, and irrelevant elements
  • Performing analysis through statistical and mathematical modeling
  • Interpreting and reporting trends and insights obtained from the data

Aviation data analysts are data analysts who work in the industry. They can work with many different types of data, depending on their employer and field of expertise.

Where Do Aviation Analysts Work?

Given the vast amounts of data throughout the aviation industry, aviation data analysts can work for a wide variety of employers.

For example, a data analyst working for an airline could look at the on-time performance of the company’s flights, the amount of cargo space being filled, or the results of a passenger satisfaction survey. The insights and conclusions drawn from these types of data can help the company improve its service and operations.

Similarly, airports have many uses for data, and could have data analysts examining metrics like passenger figures and gate utilization. Meanwhile, a data analyst at an aircraft manufacturer could analyze data relating to different assembly lines or processes to estimate production times.

There are also aviation data analysts who work in the government. For example, an analyst at a regulatory entity or safety investigation body could work with data surrounding accidents to help make safety recommendations.

NTSB investigators locate missing plug door from Alaska flight 1282 (Photo: NTSB)

 What is the Salary of an Aviation Data Analyst?

The salary of an aviation data analyst can vary significantly depending on the employer, scope of work, and the analyst’s level of education and experience.

Entry-level salaries for a data analyst range from $40,000 to $70,000 but experienced analysts with greater responsibilities can make upwards of $100,000 per year.

How to Become an Aviation Data Analyst

Data analysis jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree in a field such as mathematics, computer science, statistics, or another related field. While some employers will also accept relevant experience in place of formal education, others require a graduate degree.

Having prior experience or knowledge of the aviation industry can also be an asset for prospective aviation data analysts. It is also helpful to have transferable workplace skills like strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as a team.

The Importance of Aviation Data Analysts

Companies in the aviation industry are often faced with huge amounts of data and decisions that can have major financial and operational impacts. In this type of environment, aviation data analysts play a valuable role, helping companies navigate their business decisions through the use of empirical data.

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

KLM Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus Jet Since 2014

KLM took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the airline's narrowbody fleet renewal effort.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

KLM takes delivery of its first A321neo (Photo: KLM)

KLM took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the airline’s narrowbody fleet renewal effort. The Dutch flag carrier plans to begin service with the new aircraft in mid-September.

The A321neo, equipped with new engines that offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise emissions, is expected to contribute to KLM’s sustainability goals. The aircraft will begin serving several European destinations, including Berlin, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.

“I’ve been looking forward to this with great anticipation,” said Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM, in a press release. “The arrival of the first A321neo marks the start of replacing our Boeing 737 fleet. The A321neo produces less noise and CO2 and therefore contributes significantly to a cleaner, quieter future. It also offers more comfort. I am looking forward to see how our passengers will experience the new aircraft.”

KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo (Photo: KLM)

The airline’s wholly-owned low-cost subsidiary Transavia took delivery of its first A321neo in December 2023. According to planespotters.net data, KLM itself has not taken delivery of a new Airbus aircraft in nearly 10 years with the most recent being an A330-300 in December 2014.

In addition to its environmental benefits, KLM’s A321neo fleet features enhanced onboard amenities, including wider seats, larger tray tables, and more spacious luggage bins. Passengers will also have access to USB-C ports and a holder for their mobile devices.

KLM has chosen to name its A321neo aircraft after butterflies, reflecting the carrier’s fleet transformation. The first four aircraft will be named Swallowtail, Peach Blossom, Common Brimstone, and Clouded Magpie.

Over the next several years, KLM says it will be investing seven billion euros in its fleet renewal program. This investment will see the airline replace its older Boeing 737-800s with Airbus A320 and A321neo series aircraft on European routes. For intercontinental flights, KLM will be adding new Boeing 787-10s and Airbus A350s.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Frontier Doubles Down at New York-JFK

The airline is adding more routes from New York's JFK Airport as part of a broader network expansion taking place this fall.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Frontier A320
A Frontier A320 in Phoenix (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Frontier is expanding again from New York’s JFK Airport, adding two more routes this fall. The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) serves all three New York area airports.

From JFK, Frontier offers service to San Juan, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Beginning on Oct. 27, 2024, the airline will add daily flights to Orlando and Tampa. The ULCC also flies from New York-LaGuardia to Orlando.

The new routes from JFK are part of a broader network expansion that the airline announced on Tuesday. Frontier plans to launch 11 new routes later this year.

Resuming Service to Two Airports

In November, the carrier is slated to resume service to Burbank and Washington Dulles after exiting both markets in 2023 and 2022 respectively. From Burbank, Frontier will serve Phoenix, San Francisco, and Denver.

Washington Dulles will see flights to Atlanta and Orlando starting Nov. 14, 2024.

Frontier will also add routes between Austin and Atlanta, Seattle and Salt Lake City, Cincinnati and Sarasota, along with Atlanta and Newark.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Two Killed in Delta Aircraft Tire Explosion

Two people were killed and one injured early Tuesday morning in a reported tire explosion at Delta's Atlanta maintenance facility.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Delta 757 undergoing maintenance checks
A Delta 757-200 undergoes maintenance at the carrier's Atlanta TechOps facility. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Two people were killed and one injured early Tuesday morning in a reported tire explosion at Delta’s Atlanta maintenance facility, the airline confirmed. According to WSB-TV, one Delta employee and a contractor were killed as they were removing the tire.

Another airline employee was seriously injured as a result of the incident. In a statement to the news outlet, Delta confirmed the report adding, “The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility (TOC 3). We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

“The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site. We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened,” an airline spokesperson said.

Few details are available as to what caused the incident. The involved aircraft is reportedly registered as N683DA, a 31-year-old Boeing 757-200 that had just flown from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Sunday evening.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Aero Adds New Intra-California Route

Aero, a semi-private jet service, has announced new scheduled flights between Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles and Napa.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Aero Embraer jet (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Aero, a semi-private jet service, has announced new scheduled flights between Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles and Napa County Airport. The new flights will start on Sept. 20, 2024 and run through November 2024.

Tickets start at $725 one way and include a baggage allowance of two checked bags and two cases of wine when flying from Napa. The flights are designed for weekend trips, with departures from Los Angeles on Fridays and returns from Napa on Sundays.

“Our community has expressed interest in visiting Napa, and we’ve worked hard to make their dream a reality, just in time for the harvest season. Landing next to downtown Napa just over an hour after departing Los Angeles on a scheduled flight is extremely rare. Typically, this is only possible by flying private,” said Aero’s CEO Ben Klein in a press release. “Aero’s new service to wine country is just one example of our strategic approach to growth in 2024: we’re listening to feedback from the market and responding with innovative solutions. Guests can now fly to difficult-to-reach premier leisure destinations during peak seasonal time frames.”

Napa County Airport is located just nine miles from downtown Napa. The airport currently has no scheduled commercial air service with most airlines operating from Sonoma County Airport roughly 5o miles away in Santa Rosa.

The California-based company operates a fleet of five Embraer E135 aircraft configured with 16 seats. It currently offers regularly scheduled service between Van Nuys, Aspen, Los Cabos, and Sun Valley.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

airBaltic Bolsters A220 Fleet Despite Profit Woes

The airline's net profit during the first half of 2024 was hindered by ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues on its Airbus A220 fleet.

Filip Kopeć
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An airBaltic Airbus A220. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

airBaltic, the Latvian national carrier, reported financial results for the first half of 2024.

Engines Issues Continue

airBaltic reported the topline revenue figure up 16% YoY to a record approximately EUR 339 million (USD 379 million). This is thanks to the number of passengers carried being up by 11.1%, reaching 2.2 million.

The other component of the revenue growth was the increase in the average ticket price. This follows the focus on medium-haul routes reaching southern parts of Europe, specifically the Canary Islands. The carrier launched a new base in the Gran Canaria in December last year, so the move had a meaningful impact this year.

The carrier still faces two main issues: the conflict in Ukraine impacting the airspace and commerce west of its home bases in the Baltics and the persisting Pratt & Whitney engine issues. The latter issue allegedly impacted the bottom line severely enough this year that the carrier has reported a net loss of EUR 89 million (USD 100 million).

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic stated: “We have had a strong first half of the year, driven by an increase in flights and passengers, enhanced efficiency, and a dedicated focus on customer service. Similar to others in the industry, we have faced rising costs and capacity challenges, yet our strategic focus and operational efficiency have allowed us to handle these challenges successfully. Moreover, airBaltic’s performance in H1 demonstrates the airline’s resilience and capability to adapt and thrive in a challenging market environment.”

airBaltic’s network in 2024 (Source: flightconnections.com)

Management Looks Forward

The temporary issues should not impact the company’s future. In 2023, during the Dubai Airshow, airBaltic placed a firm order for 30 units of the A220 family. The total orderbook, including delivered frames, grew to 80 aircraft.

Now the carrier has placed an order for an additional 10 units. This incremental order puts the airline’s Airbus A220 fleet potentially at 90 units, which is only 10 shy of the 100 that the carrier’s leadership envisioned for by 2030. It will also reaffirm airBaltic as the biggest European operator of the type.

“For the first time in the company’s history, airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of close to 100 A220-300 aircraft, and these exercised options are the next step in the right direction. Over the years, this aircraft type has proven its operational capabilities and value – it has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic. By exercising these options, we are strengthening our unwavering support and trust in the A220 Programme and are looking forward to our fleet expansion over the upcoming years,” Gauss added.

The reported results and confirmed order are allowing airBaltic to be optimistic about its future. Unfortunately, the reported profitability issues may cause the potential IPO timings to slip into 2025.

Filip Kopeć

A passionate aviation enthusiast that started off his career as an aerospace engineer, but found his true calling on the commercial side of the airline business. Now as a finance guy among avgeeks and an avgeek among finance guys, he has experience working in the Revenue Divisions of three airlines. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, but admittedly sometimes is more about the journey than the destination.

Australian Air Travelers Set For New ‘Customer Rights Charter’

Australian passengers are expected to benefit from an ‘aviation customer rights charter’ to be announced by the federal government this week.

John Flett
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Virgin Australia Boeing 777 in Los Angeles. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Australian passengers are expected to benefit from an ‘aviation customer rights charter’ to be announced by the federal government this week. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Transport Minister Catherine King will also appoint an independent ombudsman. In other Australian agencies such as the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), an ombudsman is ‘an independent person who investigates and resolves complaints between parties. An ombudsman is fair and impartial when considering complaints.’

In setting out the need for the customer rights charter, Kind has stated: “Too many Australians have been left out to dry when flights are canceled or disrupted and it’s impossibly complex to get a refund or even contact a company representative. Customers deserve to get their money back if they are owed it. Full stop. It’s time to take strong action to protect consumer rights with an Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme and charter of customer rights.”

The Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme and Charter of Customer Rights would supersede the current body associated with unresolved passenger complaints, the Airline Customer Advocate (ACA). The ACA has been fully funded by Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia and promotes itself as ‘a free and independent service.’ As a body, the ACA only accepted passenger complaints that have already been submitted to the respective airlines and there has been no response or the complainant is seeking a review of the response received.

The ACA’s annual report for 2023 identified ‘Refund Requests’ as the number one complaint (38 percent of eligible complaints received) overall and number one for passengers dealing with Qantas and Rex Airlines, currently in voluntary administration. Flight delays or cancellations were second overall (35 percent) and the number one source of complaints for Jetstar and Virgin Australia passengers.

Baggage services (8 percent), Fees or charges (5 percent), and complaints related to loyalty/frequent flyer programs (3 percent) rounded out the top five of the fifteen categories eligible to be considered by the ACA.

Under the government’s proposed new charter, airlines are expected to provide details on why flights are delayed and/or cancelled. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the ombudsman ‘will be able to request additional information about specific flights and will have the power to refer for legal action instances of misconduct under competition law.’

Passengers with disabilities will also have a greater focus within the customer rights charter. “People with disability continue to encounter inaccessible facilities and services at airports and face unhelpful practices and systems adopted by airlines, with evidence to this effect heard throughout the Disability Royal Commission,” said Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth. “They have a right to fair treatment and to compensation when their essential equipment is damaged or destroyed.”

Full implementation of the ‘aviation customer rights charter’ and the role of ombudsman is expected in 2026.

John Flett

John has always had a passion for aviation and through a career with Air New Zealand has gained a strong understanding of aviation operations and the strategic nature of the industry. During his career with the airline, John held multiple leadership roles and was involved in projects such as the introduction of both the 777-200 and -300 type aircraft and the development of the IFE for the 777-300. He was also part of a small team who created and published the internal communications magazines for Air New Zealand’s pilots, cabin crew and ground staff balancing a mix of corporate and social content. John is educated to postgraduate level achieving a masters degree with Distinction in Airline and Airport Management. John has held the positions of course director of an undergraduate commercial pilot training programme at a leading London university. In addition he is contracted as an external instructor for IATA (International Air Transport Association) and has been a member of the Heathrow Community Fund’s ‘Communities for Tomorrow’ panel.

Air Canada Pilots Vote in Favor of a Strike

Pilots at Canada’s largest airline could walk off the job next month, after overwhelmingly voting in favor of giving their union a strike mandate.

Andrew Chen
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Air Canada A330
An Air Canada A330. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Pilots at Canada’s largest airline could walk off the job next month, after overwhelmingly voting in favor of giving their union a strike mandate. According to the union, the strike vote passed with 98 percent support earlier this week.

Replacing a Decade-Old Deal

Negotiations between Air Canada and The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – which represents the company’s 5,400-plus pilots – began in June of 2023. Although the airline has stated that the parties have reached agreements on many issues, the union cites compensation, retirement benefits and quality-of-life improvements as points of contention.

Air Canada pilots currently work under the provisions of a 2014 collective agreement. Charlene Hudy, chair of ALPA’s Air Canada unit, told The Canadian Press that the contract is “stale” and “outdated,” adding that there are elements of the current agreement that stem back to the period following the company’s 2003 bankruptcy. That contract expired in September of 2023.

Pilots Could Strike as Early as September 17

Canada’s aviation industry is federally regulated, meaning that the labor dispute process is governed by federal legislation and regulations.

After six months of talks between Air Canada and ALPA, the parties entered private mediation in January of 2024. In June, the union filed a notice of dispute and enter conciliation, citing an inability to reach a new collective agreement with the employer.

This set off a 60-day conciliation period, which will expire on Monday. Canadian law then mandates a 21-day cooling-off period before any strike or lockout action can occur. A 72-hour notice must also be given by the applicable party. ALPA’s pilots will therefore be in a position to go on strike as early as September 17.

Under this same process, WestJet’s mechanics came within days of a lockout in May and a strike in June before the parties reached last-minute agreements to return to the bargaining table. Pilots at the company’s regional subsidiary – WestJet Encore – also voted in favor of a strike mandate earlier this year, but the parties averted any labor action and ratified a new collective agreement in June.

In a similar labor relations standoff involving railway companies Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), this week the Canadian Government has intervened to force binding arbitration on the two parties effectively trying to prevent possible strikes and lockouts that could disrupt supply chains across North America.

A similar resolution would be possible also for Air Canada.

Air Canada pilots at an informational picket in downtown Toronto in May of 2024 (Photo: Air Line Pilots Association)

Pilot Pay Lagging Behind the U.S.

Pilot unions in Canada have been closely watching the record-breaking contracts obtained by their counterparts south of the border. Major airlines in the United States like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines have all reached agreements with their pilots over the past few years that include pay raises of up to 50 percent. With these new contracts, pilots in the U.S. can make twice as much as their Canadian colleagues.

Air Canada pilots have pointed to pay increases at United Airlines in particular as justification for improved compensation. “We all fly passengers under the Star Alliance. So we’re flying the same passengers in the same airspace on some of the very same routes, and those pilots are being compensated dramatically more than us,” Hudy told The Canadian Press. United pilots ratified a new collective agreement in September of 2023 that will see pay raises of up to 40 percent over four years.

 

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.
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