Flight attendants' strike ends, Air Canada restarting operations

Air Canada announced that it will gradually restart its operations on Tuesday after reaching a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Mediation discussions were initiated on the condition that the union commit to having the airline's 10,000 flight attendants return to work immediately, allowing Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge to resume operations, which have been grounded since Saturday.

The airline said it will not comment on an agreement with the flight attendants until the ratification process is complete. During any ratification or under the binding arbitration process, a strike or lockout is not possible, meaning customers can plan, book, and travel with Air Canada with certainty.

"The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers,” said Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive officer of Air Canada. “We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labor disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible. Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers' patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon.”

The first flights are scheduled for Tuesday evening, but customers are advised that the airline's return to full, regular service may require seven to ten days as aircraft and crew are out of position. During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized.

Only customers with confirmed bookings whose flights are shown as operating should go to the airport. Air Canada will offer options to those with cancelled flights, including obtaining a full refund or receiving a credit for future travel. The carrier will also offer to rebook customers on other airlines, although capacity is currently limited due to the peak summer travel season.

Flight attendants continue strike, all Air Canada flights suspended, again

Air Canada said it has suspended its plan to resume limited flying by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge on Sunday after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) “illegally directed its flight attendant members to defy a direction from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to return to work.” The airline now hopes to resume flights tomorrow evening.

All operations of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge were initially suspended on Saturday due to a strike by CUPE. By the Government of Canada's direction, "the CIRB ordered a resumption of our activities and directed our flight attendants to return to work," Air Canada said in a press release.

Approximately 240 flights scheduled to operate beginning this afternoon have now been cancelled by the airline. Typically, the carriers operate 700 flights a day.

Customers whose flights are cancelled will be notified and are strongly advised not to go to the airport unless they have confirmed flights with other airlines. Air Canada will offer those with cancelled flights options, including obtaining a full refund or receiving a credit for future travel. The carrier will also offer to rebook customers on other carriers, although capacity is currently limited due to the peak summer travel season.

Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz or PAL continue to operate as normal.

“Why have a union?” public reaction to Air Canada flight attendants' strike

Air Canada said it plans to resume flights on Sunday after the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) acted on a directive from Canadian Labor Minister Patty Hajdu to end a flight attendant strike. The strike resulted in the suspension of more than 700 flights.

The CIRB has directed Air Canada to resume airline operations and for all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to report to work by 2 p.m. EDT on Aug. 17. The strike began early Saturday. Meanwhile, reaction to the strike over social media is asking the question, “So why have a union then?”

Arrest 10,000 Flight Attendants?

Users of the social news and discussion website Reddit believe the power of unions is being undermined by governments once again.

“Gotta love it when the government completely undermines the power of unions,” a reader said in a post on Reddit.

“Not even 12 hours. The federal government not even trying to hide the fact they’re union busting for Air Canada. Setting the precedent for future airlines and companies. Why bargain in good faith when the government is just going to bail you out.

“What are they going to do, arrest 10,000 flight attendants? Levy sanctions?”

The federal government's order to end the strike should put workers back on the job immediately, but it will be several days before Air Canada operations are back to normal.

Cleared For Takeoff

Restart of operations will begin immediately, with first flights this evening, but Air Canada expects it will take several days before its operations return to normal.

“During this process, some flights will be canceled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized,” the airline said in a press release. “Air Canada deeply regrets the inconvenience for its customers.”

Information For Customers

Customers whose flights were cancelled and did not travel and who did not accept a refund or credit for future travel will be notified and provided a new itinerary.

Air Canada strongly recommends against customers going to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking and their flights are showing as operating.

Air Canada Express flights operated by its regional partners, Jazz Aviation LP and Provincial Airlines (PAL), remain operational throughout the strike.

Under Canada's Airline Passenger Protection Regulations, customers in Canada are not eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, meals, hotels, or other incidental expenses for situations outside the carrier's control, such as a labor disruption.

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.

Spirit Airlines launches new Grand Cayman nonstop service for $66

Spirit Airlines is making it easier than ever for guests to soak up the sun and sand this winter, announcing exciting new nonstop service to Grand Cayman and the wider Cayman Islands. Travelers yearning for a tropical escape can soon experience the pristine beaches and vibrant marine life of this Caribbean paradise, with convenient Spirit Airlines flights launching just in time for the holiday season.

The new service will commence on Dec. 4, providing the only nonstop connection between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM). These direct Grand Cayman flights will operate three times per week, specifically on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering flexibility for both short getaways and extended vacations.

"Grand Cayman is a dream destination, and we look forward to offering our guests new, affordable travel options to reach this island paradise," said John Kirby, vice president of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. "This is a win for travelers across our network, who are gaining more access to top destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America as we continue to expand service from Fort Lauderdale."

Beyond the direct Fort Lauderdale route, Spirit Air's extensive network ensures that guests from over 30 destinations across the airline's system can reach Grand Cayman with ease. These travelers can enjoy seamless one-stop connections through Fort Lauderdale, where Spirit maintains its largest hub. By the end of 2025, Spirit is projected to operate more than 100 peak-day departures to over 70 destinations from FLL, solidifying its position as the airport's largest carrier and enhancing connectivity to new international routes.

Once in Grand Cayman, travelers will discover a wealth of activities to enjoy. Adventurers can swim with the famous stingrays, explore colorful coral reefs through snorkeling or diving, or simply unwind on the renowned, sun-soaked sands of Seven Mile Beach.

"We are delighted to welcome Spirit Airlines to Owen Roberts International Airport with the launch of their new nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale," said Albert Anderson, chief executive officer of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority. "This new route enhances connectivity to one of our key U.S. gateways and provides travelers with an affordable and convenient option to experience all that the Cayman Islands have to offer. We look forward to a strong partnership with Spirit as we continue to grow air access and support the development of tourism and business in the Cayman Islands."

To celebrate this new route, Spirit Airlines is offering special introductory fares. Guests flying between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Grand Cayman (GCM) can take advantage of one-way fares starting at just $66, inclusive of all taxes and fees. These attractive introductory Grand Cayman flights are available for immediate booking on spirit.com, where travelers can find comprehensive flight details and plan their unforgettable Caribbean getaway.