TORONTO — Following a three-day strike that significantly affected operations, Air Canada has announced an exciting development for travel advisors: protected commissions.
Air Canada’s Commitment to Travel Advisors
In a recent conversation with Travelweek, Lisa Pierce, Vice President of Global Sales and Air Canada Vacations, confirmed that the airline will honor commissions on any booking made for customers impacted by this disruption at the time of ticketing. Pierce emphasized the importance of the travel agent community, stating, “We want our agent community to feel heard and seen, and I want them all to know that we see them and care about them.” She expressed gratitude for agents’ support during challenging times, especially for those working after hours over the weekend.
Strike Settlement and Operational Impacts
The strike involved the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents around 10,000 flight attendants for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge. A tentative agreement was reached in the early hours of August 19, which brought the strike to an immediate conclusion and affected about 500,000 customers.
As operational capacity ramps up, Air Canada resumed flights Wednesday afternoon after a complete halt that began early Saturday morning, concentrating initially on outbound international routes. The airline anticipates it will take 7 to 10 days to fully return to normal operations. However, Pierce noted that the number of required flight cancellations would be minimal.
Flight Recovery and Cancellation Procedures
Pierce stated, “There may be about 40 flight cancellations tomorrow. This could change obviously as we begin resumption, and things may happen like on normal days. But we’re getting close to normal operations – the scale and pace of the recovery is quite quick.” The process for determining which flights may be canceled relies on a method known as flight firming.
She elaborated that coordinating the crew, including pilots and flight attendants, while ensuring aircraft are maintained and moved to gates from maintenance facilities is vital. "We have an entire checklist that we go through, and once all the criteria have been met, only then can the flights be confirmed and we open them for sale and check-in.”
Enhanced Notification for Affected Travelers
In response to the disruptions, affected travelers will receive a wider notification window than usual concerning any flight cancellations. “As of this morning, probably in the next hour or so, we’ll know everything for today, tomorrow, and the following day,” Pierce said. This extended notification period provides travelers with greater clarity compared to the tighter timelines that were previously in place.
For travelers seeking more details on Air Canada’s operations and policies, be sure to check the Air Canada Official Website for the latest updates and announcements.
For additional information on how travel agents are adapting to these circumstances, visit Travelweek for more insights.
Conclusion
The resolution of the strike marks a significant milestone for Air Canada, as it seeks to restore normal operations while ensuring that travel advisors are supported amidst the challenges. With a focus on transparency and assistance, Air Canada aims to provide the best possible experience for both agents and travelers in the days ahead.
