Jazz Aviation

Jazz Aviation Pilots Face Ongoing Challenges

In the summer of 2023, Jazz Aviation pilots ratified Memorandum of Settlement No. 7, which implemented much-needed improvements to pay. The pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) stated at the time that while the settlement was a step in the right direction, it wouldn’t adequately address the existing pilot-retention problems. This was proven to be true, as these problems remained at the forefront in 2025.

The pilot group’s collective agreement contains some of the sector’s most robust work rules, scheduling, benefits, and pension. However, throughout 2023, 2024, and 2025, massive pilot attraction and retention problems were driven by the company’s inability to adequately address foundational issues of competitive pay and career progression. Due to significant understaffing, particularly in the captain category, many rosters have dozens of pilot vacancies, resulting in poor pairing efficiency, excessive deadheading, and excessive pairing reassignments. These issues negatively affect the value of existing work rules; therefore, addressing staffing remains one of the MEC’s primary concerns.

Jazz pilots have a lengthy history filled with navigating the challenges inherent into this sector of the airline industry, including their present circumstances.

“We have a long history of providing valuable and professional service to our company’s primary customer, Air Canada,” said Capt. Claude Buraglia, the pilot group’s MEC chair. “Pilots want to work for a carrier with a promising and bright future. They need to be paid appropriately, have a more meaningful work-life balance, and see a desirable career progression before them that also maximizes their value to the organization.”

A strong and viable Air Canada is not only important to the corporation, but also critical to the Canadian traveling public. Jazz pilots remain committed to helping Air Canada build a stronger and more viable network.

Jazz Aviation MEC