Keewatin Pilots Serve Notice to Bargain to Management

WINNIPEG, Man.—Yesterday, Keewatin pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), served Keewatin Air LP, a subsidiary of the Exchange Income Corporation, with written notice of their intent to open negotiations for their second collective agreement. The pilots’ current contract remains in effect until December 31, 2026.

“Serving Notice to Bargain is an important milestone for our pilot group,” said Capt. Lahiru Gunawardhana, chair of the Keewatin ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC). “Our pilots operate in some of the most remote and challenging environments in Canada, flying medevac missions that directly support the health and safety of communities across Nunavut and the Arctic. Our first collective agreement, ratified in November 2024, gave the pilot group a strong starting point, and now we have the opportunity to build on that momentum and continue elevating the standards and stability our pilots deserve.”

Keewatin operates both charter and air‑ambulance services for Nunavut and other areas of northern Canada. The airline’s air medical program is recognized as one of the best air ambulance services in Canada.

“This contract is our chance to take the next step forward,” added Capt. Gunawardhana. “We intend to call for improvements that support Keewatin pilots both on and off the job—whether through stronger compensation structures, more predictable scheduling, or reserve rules that reflect the realities of medevac flying in the North. Our pilots play a critical role in the success of Keewatin, and this agreement must continue to reflect that.”

Over the next few months, the MEC will meet with Keewatin management to begin formal negotiations on the next collective agreement. The MEC looks forward to working toward an agreement that supports pilots, strengthens the operation, and upholds the high standard of care that Keewatin provides to the communities it serves.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.

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