Air Canada has ratified a new four-year collective agreement with Unifor, covering approximately 6,000 contact centre, customer relations, concierge, airport in-terminal, and customer journey management employees. The agreement is in effect until February 28, 2030. This ratification secures labor stability for a significant portion of Air Canada's frontline workforce, ensuring a framework for future growth.

Mike Abbott, Vice-President, Labour Relations at Air Canada, expressed appreciation for the efforts of both the Unifor and Air Canada negotiating teams. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of customer service employees while establishing a foundation for the airline's expansion. The agreement is the third collective agreement ratified at Air Canada this year, following earlier ratifications by Flight Operations Crew Schedulers and In-Flight Crew Schedulers.

Agreement Details

The new collective agreement covers a broad range of customer-facing roles within the airline. The following table outlines the key aspects of the agreement:

Context and Significance

This ratification is part of a series of labor agreements reached by Air Canada in the current year. The airline has now successfully concluded negotiations with three distinct employee groups, including Flight Operations Crew Schedulers and In-Flight Crew Schedulers. These agreements collectively contribute to operational stability and industrial relations at Canada's largest airline.

Air Canada today marked the entry into scheduled service of its first Airbus A321XLR, featuring a new Glowing Hearted cabin standard designed to enhance passenger comfort and connectivity. The inaugural flight, AC413 from Montréal to Toronto, carried 182 passengers and signifies the beginning of a new era for the airline's fleet capabilities. This aircraft introduces the only lie-flat seats on a single-aisle aircraft for a Canadian carrier, alongside a 30% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to older models.

Fleet Modernization and Strategic Impact

The A321XLR is a core component of Air Canada's multi-year fleet modernization program, which focuses on operational resilience, fuel efficiency, and customer experience. The airline plans to integrate the aircraft progressively to support network growth and adjust for seasonal demand patterns. Air Canada has firm orders for 30 A321XLRs, with 15 being leased and 15 acquired directly from Airbus S.A.S. Additional fleet expansion includes orders for 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, eight A350-1000s, and ongoing deliveries of Airbus A220s.

Cabin Features and Configuration

The new Glowing Hearted cabin debuts on the A321XLR, offering personal device power at every seat and fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members sponsored by Bell. The interior features next-generation in-flight entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity and finishes inspired by the Canadian landscape. The aircraft is configured with 14 lie-flat seats in Air Canada Signature Class and 168 Economy class seats. In-flight entertainment screens are 19-inch in Signature Class and 13-inch in Economy, both with 4K OLED display technology.

Operational Schedule and Future Routes

Prior to its first trans-Atlantic flight, the A321XLR will operate several domestic flights. The inaugural international service is scheduled for June 15, connecting Montréal to Toulouse. The aircraft's performance and range characteristics are intended to unlock new destinations and improve service on existing markets across North America and the Atlantic.

Aircraft Specifications and Orders