Air Canada has restarted its operations following a strike, but Air Canada Cargo will continue to operate a reduced freighter schedule until operations return to normal.
The strike by flight attendants, from 16-19 August, grounded Air Canada’s operations and saw Air Canada Cargo put a modified freighter schedule in place to protect up to 25% of volumes, meaning around 75% or more of air cargo volumes were at risk of disruption and delays.
Air Canada Cargo had also temporarily put new bookings for speciality commodities on hold and stated that existing bookings could be delayed or cancelled.
Air Canada Cargo’s most recent update on its website said: “We anticipate that it will take several days before activities return to normal. During the resumption process in the next seven to ten days, some flights will be cancelled, until the programme is stabilised.
“During this recovery period, Air Canada Cargo will continue to operate a modified freighter schedule, including temporary service to Europe. This relief schedule aims to ensure continuity and secure temporary capacity to support our customers’ shipments during this time.
“As passenger flights resume, our freighter schedule will also return to normal, and temporary restrictions will be gradually lifted.”
A previously implemented trucking network between freighter destinations and key hubs will continue to operate to help facilitate cargo connections.
Air Canada said on 19 August that it would restart operations after reaching a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.
The first flights were scheduled for the evening of 19 August, but the airline’s return to full, regular service is expected to take seven to ten days as aircraft and crew are out of position.
According to data from Planespotters, Air Canada has six 767-300 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft in addition to 200 passenger aircraft.