Air Canada Capacity Reduction Impact on Pilots Unclear

Market Wire, June, 2008

The association representing Air Canada's pilots says it is unclear how the recent announcement of capacity reductions and layoffs will affect pilots at the airline.

"Air Canada has not yet made a final decision on number and type of aircraft in the fleet, as well as the routes which will be cut back, so we're not sure how these reductions will impact the pilot group," says Capt. Andy Wilson, president of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA).

Capt. Wilson says reducing pilots is a traditionally an expensive proposition for airlines as they must then incur significant expenses in retraining pilots who have been out of service.

"It usually takes six months to a year to get pilots retrained and back on the line in the event of actual layoffs," he adds.

Capt. Wilson says there are a number of mitigations that have traditionally been used during downturns, such as reduced flying hours for all pilots, leaves of absence or early retirements.

ACPA is the largest professional pilot group in Canada, representing the 3,300 pilots who operate Air Canada's mainline fleet.

Contacts: Media Contacts: Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) Carl Mavromichalis Director of Communications (416) 578-2272 or (905) 678-9008 x222