TORONTO, ONTARIO — The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the world's largest pilots' union, may soon welcome the majority of pilots from Canadian start-up carrier Lynx Air into its ranks. 


Following a review by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, approximately 80 Lynx pilots could gain ALPA representation as they pursue their first collective bargaining agreement, according to the union's announcement on May 7.

Tim Perry, President of ALPA Canada, notes that Lynx pilots will soon benefit from the organization's extensive resources and support from fellow Canadian ALPA pilots nationwide. Joining the world's largest airline pilot union will enable Lynx pilots to have a strong voice in their future and contribute to the enhancement of the profession.

Lynx Air, a privately-owned ultra-low-cost carrier, entered the Canadian discount airline market in 2022, operating revenue flights with new Boeing 737 Max 8s. On May 2, the company took delivery of the first of 11 Max 8s it plans to lease from Singapore-based BOC Aviation, increasing its fleet to seven aircraft.

In related news, Air Canada pilots, formerly represented by the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), recently voted to merge with ALPA. The larger union has been on a winning streak, securing pilot contracts with Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines in recent months.

WestJet pilots, currently in contract negotiations with Canada's second-largest carrier, voted to strike if necessary. On May 8, hundreds of WestJet pilots participated in demonstrations at Vancouver International, Calgary International, and Toronto Pearson International airports, demanding contractual provisions enjoyed by pilots at nearly every other airline, according to WestJet's ALPA group on social media.

ALPA represents over 69,000 pilots across 39 airlines in Canada and the USA.