Air Canada Express flights continue uninterrupted during flight attendants' strike

Air Canada has confirmed that Air Canada Express flights operated by its regional partners, Jazz Aviation LP and Provincial Airlines (PAL), are continuing to operate as scheduled. Air Canada Express serves as the regional brand of Canada's largest airline, Air Canada, connecting smaller communities to Air Canada's extensive domestic and international network.

Air Canada announced on Saturday that all its flights, and Air Canada Rouge, remain suspended pending the outcome of negotiations with flight attendants who are on strike. In the meantime, Air Canada Express Jazz and PAL flights continue to operate.

Jazz Aviation LP, operating as Jazz, is Air Canada's largest regional partner, providing service to a wide range of destinations across Canada and the United States. Provincial Airlines also plays a crucial role in the Air Canada Express network, particularly serving Eastern Canada.

Customers whose flights are cancelled are being notified of the cancellations and offered options that include a full refund, a future travel credit, or rebooking on another airline. Those whose flights are cancelled are strongly advised not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking on a flight by another carrier.

“At present, all flights by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge are cancelled until the afternoon of Aug. 17,” the airline said in a press statement on Saturday.

Poland advances air power with F-16 Viper modernization deal

The Polish Ministry of National Defence has finalized a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. government, setting in motion a major modernization program for its fleet of 48 F-16 Block 52+ fighter jets. The substantial upgrade will transform these aircraft into the advanced F-16 Viper configuration, also known as the F-16V, significantly enhancing Poland’s air defense capabilities and strengthening its contribution to NATO’s collective security.

Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-16, will serve as the primary contractor for this extensive modernization effort. The move underscores Poland’s commitment to maintaining a modern and capable air force, crucial for regional stability and deterrence.

The comprehensive modernization package is designed to boost the fleet's operational effectiveness across various mission profiles. Key technological integrations include the APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array Scalable Agile Beam radar, which offers superior situational awareness and targeting capabilities. Cockpit enhancements feature a high-resolution Center Pedestal Display, an upgraded mission computer, and a new display generator, all contributing to improved pilot interface and mission execution.

Beyond these core system upgrades, the F-16 Viper configuration will incorporate advanced helmet-mounted devices, electronic warfare enhancements for improved survivability, and the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod with Digital Video Interface for enhanced precision strike capabilities. A critical safety feature, the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System, will also be integrated to prevent controlled flight into terrain. Furthermore, structural modifications are included to extend the aircraft's service life to an impressive 12,000 flight hours, ensuring the fleet remains operational for decades to come. The agreement also covers necessary simulator upgrades to align pilot training with the new aircraft capabilities.

This agreement builds upon a two-decade-long partnership between Lockheed Martin and the Polish Air Force, aligning with Poland’s long-term defense modernization roadmap. In a move to leverage local expertise and bolster the Polish defense industry, Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 to perform a portion of the upgrade work in-country.

Air Canada grounds all operations amid flight attendant strike

Air Canada and its regional subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, announced on Saturday the complete suspension of all flight operations, effective at 12:58 a.m. Eastern Time. The widespread grounding of flights is the result of a strike by approximately 10,000 flight attendants, who are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

[UPDATE] Air Canada said the lockout took effect at 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. This step became necessary because at 12:58 a.m. CUPE commenced strike action.

CUPE provided a 72-hour strike notice to Air Canada on Aug. 13. In anticipation of the labor disruption, Air Canada had progressively scaled back its schedule of approximately 700 daily flights while simultaneously engaging in negotiations to secure a new collective agreement and avert the strike.

This significant halt in services is expected to impact roughly 130,000 customers per day. Flights operated by Air Canada Express, which are managed by third-party airlines, remain unaffected by the current dispute.

Air Canada has issued strong advisories to affected customers, urging them not to proceed to airports unless they possess a confirmed ticket with an airline other than Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. The airline has stated it will directly notify passengers with imminent travel plans about additional flight cancellations and available options.

For customers whose upcoming flights have not yet been cancelled, Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy. This allows passengers to rebook their travel arrangements or receive credit for future travel. Further detailed information and assistance can be found on the airline's official website.

Air Canada has expressed deep regret regarding the considerable disruption and inconvenience the strike is causing to its customers. The duration of the strike and its ultimate resolution remain uncertain as negotiations continue.