Release #: SPR 24.02
June 03, 2024

PAL Aerospace Pilots Reach a Tentative Agreement

First Collective Agreement Addresses Concerns of All PAL Aerospace Pilots

St. John’s, N.L.—PAL Aerospace pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have reached a tentative agreement with management on a new employment contract. The three-year deal was unanimously approved by PAL Aerospace ALPA leadership on May 31 and contains significant improvements to scheduling, working conditions, compensation, job security, and benefits.

The new agreement underscores the complexity and significance of representing a diverse group of professionals operating across multiple divisions and geographic locations. Over the next few weeks, the agreement will be shared with the entire pilot group, and then a vote will take place. If ratified, this will be the PAL Aerospace pilots’ first Collective Agreement.

“Over the last few years, our team has been negotiating to ensure this agreement encompasses the vast complexity of combining the multiple divisions and types of operations in which the company operates into this agreement. The PAL Aerospace pilots now have the benefit of a contract spanning all the divisions of PAL Aerospace,” said Capt. Stephen Young, chair of the PAL Aerospace ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC). “Our pilots ultimately have an agreement that provides well deserved improvements to compensation, work rules, and quality of life. Our pilots will also have the security of a seniority-based system throughout bases and divisions across the company.”

“Congratulations to the PAL Aerospace MEC on securing their first contract in the history of the airline,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the PAL Aerospace pilots and their commitment to enhancing their professional standards and quality of life. It is now up to them to decide whether or not to ratify this agreement.”

“We applaud PAL Aerospace pilot leadership on their historic first contract,” said Capt. Tim Perry, ALPA Canada president. “The uniqueness of PAL Aerospace’s operations is reflected in the terms of this tentative agreement, and it also serves to improve pilot recruitment and retention, as well as advancing the aviation profession in Canada.”

Young added, “With our diverse operations and pilot bases in St. John’s, Halifax, Campbell River, Curacao, and the United Kingdom, we secured a contract that recognizes and addresses the needs of all of our pilots. This new agreement will create a better future for the PAL Aerospace pilots and put us on par with our colleagues at other Canadian regional carriers. This will help with pilot recruitment and retention while making us stronger and more competitive within the industry.”

PAL Aerospace is part of the PAL Group of Companies, a subsidiary of Exchange Income Corporation. PAL Aerospace operates airborne maritime surveillance, managed jets, and air ambulance and supports the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The company also provides airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support for the United Kingdom to address illegal migration and small-boat crossings.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 77,000 pilots at 41 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org