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☆ American Airlines pilots to get 21% pay raise this year in tentative contract
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

CHICAGO, May 19 (Reuters) - Pilots at American Airlines (AAL.O) will get a 21% pay raise this year as part of a new four-year tentative contract, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday. The Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents American's pilots, on Thursday said it has agreed in principle on a new contract. Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh and Allison Lampert; Editing by Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ WestJet pay debate sets scene for Air Canada's pilots
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Allison Lampert | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MONTREAL, May 18 (Reuters) - A faceoff this week between WestJet Airlines and its pilots over pay could set the stage for aviators' demands in future bargaining with Air Canada (AC.TO). It would be the first major pilots' strike in Canada since 1998, according to a spokesperson for Canada's Labor Minister Seamus O'Regan, who is at the talks. ALPA president Jason Ambrosi recently told Reuters that a key priority is to narrow the pay gap between Air Canada pilots and their U.S. counterparts, echoing the union's demand for a "North American" contract at WestJet. Gradek added there is a group of Air Canada pilots "who have been chomping at the bit" to get a significant bump in wages. Air Canada pilots, who have received a 2% wage increase per year since 2014, have complained Delta’s latest hourly pay rates are up to 45% higher.

☆ WestJet union seeks to narrow pay gap between Canada and U.S. pilots as strike looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Allison Lampert | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Pilots at Onex Corp-owned (ONEX.TO) WestJet gave notice on Monday that could allow for strike action as early as May 19, raising fears of travel disruptions during Canada's Victoria Day holiday weekend. Pay is still the outlier," said Bernard Lewall, a union representative with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). "We need to narrow that gap between the North American carriers and WestJet," he said on Tuesday in an interview. Lewall declined to give a specific wage target, but said the airline must pay more to retain pilots. "We hope this measure will help WestJet passengers who otherwise could not travel due to the pilots’ strike,” said Flair CEO Stephen Jones.

"That's what we are looking towards as we are working with our pilots union to get a deal done." American Airlines, United Airlines (UAL.O) and Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) are all in the middle of contract negotiations with their pilots. The carrier's pilot union said it made no concessions in the deal, which included dozens of work-rule improvements and quality-of-life related items. In an update to its members this week, United's pilot union said it is seeking similar improvements. Casey Murray, head of the Dallas-based airline's pilot union, said it has lost more pilots in the first four months of this year than it did in all of 2022.

☆ American Airlines pilots vote to authorize strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 1 (Reuters) - A union representing American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) pilots said on Monday its members had approved a strike mandate ahead of the busy summer travel season, although the chances of an actual labor disruption remain slim. The Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents 15,000 American Airlines pilots, held a strike authorization vote in April to put pressure on the Texas-based carrier for higher salary and better working conditions, even as the two sides closed in on an agreement in principle. More than 96% of the APA membership participated in the vote and over 99% voted in favor of authorizing a strike, the union said in a statement. The finish line is in sight," American Airlines said in a statement. The airline's pilots received their last pay increase in 2019.

☆ Bombardier swings to profit on deliveries of pricier business jets
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MONTREAL, April 27 (Reuters) - Bombardier Inc (BBDb.TO) swung to a first-quarter adjusted profit, helped by increased deliveries of its pricier planes, the business jet maker said on Thursday. Business jet makers are planning to deliver more planes this year, despite concerns over supply chain snarls, following a surge in demand to fly private during the COVID-19 pandemic. But analysts have reported softening business jet traffic in major markets compared with 2022 as fears of an economic downturn loom. Bombardier delivered 22 business jets during the quarter, up one from a year earlier. However the company delivered two more medium-sized and two more large-cabin business jets which command stronger pricing.

The Dallas-based carrier has blamed the hour-long outage on a vendor-supplied network firewall failure, causing a temporary loss of connection to key systems. Southwest told Reuters on Wednesday it opted to halt flights out of caution, adding there were no indications of a cyber attack. It declined to identify the vendor and did not address why this failure was not part of the company's planning. While the exact cause is not clear, some industry experts questioned why Southwest systems did not include more redundancy. Southwest was able to manually launch flights while SWIFT was down but decided to suspend departures at 8:27 a.m. CST.

☆ Pilots at Canada's WestJet Airlines approve possible strike action
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Allison Lampert | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 18 (Reuters) - WestJet Airlines pilots on Tuesday voted for possible strike action as early as May 16, underscoring broader efforts by North American pilots to make gains on salary and working conditions as traffic rises. Pilots at Onex Corp's (ONEX.TO) WestJet Group, Canada's second-largest carrier, could strike or be locked out if notice is given on May 13, union representative Bernard Lewall said. Participating pilots voted 93% in favor of strike authorization, said Lewall, chair of the local union with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Calgary-based WestJet said the carrier wants an agreement that is competitive within Canada's airline industry. Their union, the Allied Pilots Association, is also holding a strike authorization vote that concludes on April 30.

Higher costs and a shortage of available new parts are also delaying aircraft repairs, which risk pushing up air fares. Some makers of brand-name parts like General Electric Co (GE.N) stand to benefit because they also sell used parts, known as used serviceable material. Honeywell Aerospace Trading (HON.O), the U.S. conglomerate's used parts business, is among companies enjoying higher demand since 2021. Ultimately, the alternatives to new parts may bring relief but a congested supply chain must be fixed, said Benjamin Hockenberg, president of JSSI Parts & Leasing. "Certain models, certain situations, (used parts) will fill the void, but I think we also need to see a repaired supply chain," said Hockenberg.

MONTREAL, April 5 (Reuters) - Honeywell International (HON.O) on Wednesday will announce a first deal for its most powerful generator, which would power a European-Canadian startup's hybrid electric cargo airship. Multiple startups are working on electric or hybrid aircraft to meet aviation's long-term climate goals. Flying Whales would use four generators per airship. The French parent company Flying Whales SAS and its Quebec based subsidiary have raised 162 million euros ($177.57 million) over three financing rounds. The first flight of the LCA60T airship in France is expected in late 2025 with entry into service planned for 2027, Flying Whales said.

March 24 (Reuters) - Financial sector headwinds are creating fresh openings for private equity investments in aerospace, as suppliers' need for capital to meet soaring demand for planes and parts risks further turbulence, executives said. He said he would not oppose a private equity investment, as long as he maintains control and the combination makes sense by lowering costs. Global private equity deals among companies with aerospace portfolios rose to 216 in 2022, more than double 2019's figure and the highest in over a decade, according to Refinitiv data. Permanent Equity wants to invest in repair stations and suppliers with large inventories of aerospace parts. In Canada, while bank loans remain accessible for small suppliers, rising rates have flattened real estate pricing.

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File PhotoMONTREAL, March 23 (Reuters) - Business jet maker Bombardier Inc (BBDb.TO) on Thursday raised 2025 revenue and free cash flow targets at its investor day, and said it would produce more corporate planes, sending shares up 4.9% in morning trade. Corporate jet makers have reported swelling order backlogs on persistent strong demand for private flying in the U.S. He said Bombardier expects to produce about 150 business jets by 2025, and is targeting more than $9 billion in annual revenue, up from an earlier goal of $7.5 billion. With no announced 2025 capex target and the entry into service of its flagship Global 7500 in 2018, investors and analysts are expected to raise questions over plans for a new jet. Desjardins analyst Benoit Poirier said Bombardier's free cash, revenue and deliveries targets were stronger than expected and deemed the lack of a capex commitment less risky.

☆ Bombardier lifts 2025 financial targets amid strong business jet market
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Allison Lampert | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MONTREAL, March 23 (Reuters) - Canadian business jet maker Bombardier Inc (BBDb.TO) on Thursday raised its 2025 revenue and free cash flow targets at its investor day, capitalizing on strong demand for private flights. Montreal-based Bombardier said in a statement it is now targeting more than $9 billion in annual revenue by 2025, up from an earlier objective for that year of about $7.5 billion. Corporate jet makers have reported swelling order backlogs on persistent strong demand for private flying, especially in the United States, the world's largest market for business aviation. But while demand continues to be strong, supply chain snags and fears of a recession remain headwinds. Chief Executive Eric Martel said previously the company's defense business for special mission business jets could grow to a possible $1 billion in annual revenues.

Jekta's electric-motor PHA-ZE 100 will generate zero emissions, according to the company. Gayo intends to use the planes for sustainable luxury travel and transport to remote areas, Gayo Chairman Gisle Dueland told Reuters. United Airlines (UAL.O) and Air Canada (AC.TO) have both said they would buy electric planes from Swedish start-up Heart Aerospace. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged developed countries to commit to reaching net zero emissions by 2040 instead of 2050. Carbon dioxide emissions from tourism are expected to grow 25% by 2030 from 2016 levels if there are no changes, according to the U.N. World Tourism Organization.

☆ Canadian investigators seek seven missing after fire at Montreal building
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/6] Firefighters watch as investigators inspect a three-storey heritage building in Old Montreal where a fire broke out last week leaving seven people unaccounted for, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada March 19, 2023. REUTERS/Christinne MuschiMONTREAL, March 19 (Reuters) - Police and fire officials in Canada said they were preparing on Sunday to search the rubble of a Montreal heritage building for seven missing people believed trapped after flames engulfed the site last week. Flowers were left across a courtyard from the beige stone building in the historic Old Montreal district as workers took steps to secure the three-storey structure which remained inaccessible to firefighters and police on Sunday morning. Montreal Police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant said investigators had reason to believe there were victims inside. Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.N. aviation council votes to hear MH17 case against Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Allison Lampert | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MONTREAL, March 17 (Reuters) - The United Nations aviation council on Friday voted to hear a case against Russia over the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, the foreign ministers of Australia and the Netherlands said. Australia and the Netherlands initiated the action over MH17 last year at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO upheld its jurisdiction to hear the matter during a session on Friday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a written statement. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra called the decision to hear the case "an important step towards establishing the truth, justice and accountability". In October, Russia failed to win enough votes at ICAO's triennial assembly to keep its council seat.

☆ Two dead, nine injured after being struck by van in Canada's Quebec
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Nia Williams | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 13 (Reuters) - Two people were killed and nine injured after being struck by a van on Monday in the Canadian town of Amqui, Quebec, provincial police said. Police spokeswoman Hélène St-Pierre said the circumstances of the collision were still being investigated and the driver of the van, a 38-year-old man, was under arrest. A man in his 70s and another man in his 60s were killed, St-Pierre said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter that his heart was with the people of Amqui. "As we learn more about the tragic events that have taken place, I'm keeping everyone affected in my thoughts," he said.

☆ Air Canada pilots decry 'embarrassing' pay gap with U.S. after Delta deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Allison Lampert | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MONTREAL, March 3 (Reuters) - Air Canada (AC.TO) pilots are pressing for higher pay in the run-up to fresh contract talks, following recent gains secured by pilots at U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), union representatives told Reuters. Delta's latest hourly pay rates are up to 45% higher than current Air Canada hourly pay rates, the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) said in an email. Air Canada pilots have received a 2% wage increase per year, since 2014, said ACPA, which represents about 4,500 pilots. ACPA is in talks to possibly join the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the world's largest pilots' union, representing more than 60,000 pilots in the United States and Canada. Air Canada, which expects to return to 2019 levels of capacity next year, is also facing cost pressures.

The city of Phoenix's aviation department, which runs the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, has launched a childcare program for airport workers and plans to build a childcare facility on airport property. Since its launch, 37 airport workers have joined the program, which covers daycare costs partially. At Kelowna International Airport in British Columbia, Canada, construction is underway for a daycare primarily for children of employees who work on airport property. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is similarly weighing offering childcare on-site or nearby in a bid to offer attractive benefits to workers, said airport spokesperson Mindy Kershner. And then there are others - like Jared Barker, a 33-year-old baggage handler at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport who quit and left the industry altogether last year after mass departures during the pandemic led to a heavier workload.

REUTERS/Cole Burston/File PhotoFeb 24 (Reuters) - Airports are taking steps to avoid gridlock during the upcoming holiday travel seasons, with some limiting flights during peak hours to avoid the long lines and luggage piles that marred last summer. While smoother holiday travel is expected for Europe and North America, airlines and airports which learned tough lessons on holiday travel in 2022, are taking a more prudent approach as global traffic rebounds roughly to pre-pandemic levels. Despite extensive planning and hiring this year, some airlines and airports are still wrestling with industry staff shortages, including baggage handlers. Germany's Lufthansa AG (LHAG.DE) said it has cut summer flights by an unspecified amount due to shortages of personnel like ground handlers at airports in Frankfurt and Munich. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency were not immediately available to comment on staffing.

☆ Trudeau joins vigil for Montreal daycare crash victims
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Nelson Wyatt | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] A Laval city bus is towed away after being pulled out of the daycare it crashed into, in Laval, Quebec, Canada February 8, 2023. Authorities have not yet given any indication of a motive behind the incident in Laval, Quebec, as they wait for a psychological evaluation of the suspect. "This is a moment to reflect on the incredible loss that families are feeling right now," CTV News quoted Trudeau as saying. He stopped to talk with parents who had dropped off their 2-1/2-year old daughter 10 minutes before the crash. Authorities said St-Amand has worked for the Laval municipality's public transit system for 10 years and does not have a criminal record.

[1/4] A Laval city bus is seen crashed into a daycare in Laval, Quebec, Canada February 8, 2023. The bus driver, a 51-year-old employee of the Laval municipality's public transit system, was arrested for homicide and reckless driving, a police spokesperson said. Police declined to provide more details while they investigate and question the driver, who they said has worked for the transit system for 10 years and does not have a criminal record. The incident happened at about 8:30 a.m. (1330 GMT), when kids are usually dropped off by their parents at daycare centers. "No words can take away the pain and fear that parents, children, and workers are feeling – but we are here for you," Trudeau said.

However, Boiardi said an earlier proposal from the industry for totally single-pilot flying by 2030 was "absolutely not realistic", because automation had not advanced far enough and solo flying required a level of safety equivalent to existing operations. Solo flying, even in cruise, needs approval from the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization, individual airlines and their pilot unions. Even limited solo flying, however, is dividing airlines and raising public fears, while sparking a growing backlash among pilot groups like the European Cockpit Association. Airbus said in a statement it was studying the concept of a single pilot in the cruise phase but not wholly single-pilot flights. Consumer resistance, however, could result in single-pilot flying starting with cargo flights, industry officials said.

Jan 26 (Reuters) - U.S. airlines expect strong travel demand that drove record fourth-quarter revenues to continue into 2023, but economic uncertainty and burgeoning labor and operations costs could cloud their rosy outlooks. On Thursday, American Airlines (AAL.O), JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU.O) and Alaska Air Group (ALK.N) forecast better-than-expected full-year earnings. JetBlue forecast expenses excluding fuel to rise 1.5% to 4.5% in 2023. China's recent reopening may also boost international travel, but demand remains uncertain and U.S. airlines face challenges toward cashing in. American Airlines forecast an adjusted profit of $2.50 to $3.50 per share for 2023, handily beating analyst expectations of $1.77, according to Refinitiv data.

☆ U.S. private jet buyers seek distressed planes in early sign of turbulence
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Allison Lampert | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/2] A Gulfstream logo is pictured during the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) at Geneva Airport, Switzerland May 28, 2018. From preowned planes selling more gradually to flattening business jet traffic, demand is beginning to moderate, aviation lawyers, brokers and analysts said. Investors will be watching for clues when Gulfstream-maker General Dynamics Corp (GD.N) and Cessna business jet maker Textron Inc (TXT.N) report earnings on Wednesday. Planemakers rarely disclose cases of distressed planes, but argue they can easily resell unwanted models. Some buyers also scrambled late last year to find distressed planes to qualify for favorable taxation rules.

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