Wasaya Airways

After Tumultuous Year, Wasaya Pilots Optimistic About 2026

During 2025, Wasaya Airways pilots experienced significant turmoil on several fronts.

The company filed a Maintenance of Activities order with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding Wasaya’s engineers and mechanics, asserting they shouldn’t have the right to strike as part of their negotiations for a new collective agreement. The pilots spent several months helping them defend against the order as the pilot group’s collective agreement was named in the process by management.

The pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) leaders responded to the CIRB quickly and consistently with clear, factual information in an effort to protect pilot rights. Fortunately, the order wasn’t approved, and the language in the pilot group’s collective agreement regarding the right to strike remains intact.

During the same time, the pilots were also engaged in discussions with management to resolve four active grievances.

Operationally, the company retired the ATR 42 from its fleet but added an additional Pilatus PC-12 to help maintain operational flexibility. Throughout these changes, the relationship between the chief pilot and the MEC remained strong and constructive.

However, pilot morale suffered due to scheduling challenges and grievances involving the former COO. Although arbitration was initiated under the previous airline leadership, Gary Bell, the new CEO, ultimately changed course through open dialogue with the pilot group.

Bell has demonstrated a positive, solutions-focused approach, reflecting the strong relationship he has as CEO with Calm Air, and he expects the same type of relationship at Wasaya. “We’re beginning to see real progress on outstanding grievances, and there’s optimism about potential improvements, including increased opportunities,” said Capt. James Harding, the pilot group’s MEC chair. Another improvement is the shift from the company’s previous AVIO scheduling software to the VMO scheduling software that other Exchange Income Corporation–owned airlines use. Additionally, discussions with the company regarding potentially sharing resources with Calm Air continue to evolve.