Air Canada plans to cut dozens of flights daily this summer as airlines tackle a range of challenges amid surges in travel demand.
With this change, Air Canada will reduce the schedule for an average of 77 round trips — or 154 flights — daily in July and August.
"Unfortunately, things are not business as usual in the global industry, which is affecting our business and our ability to provide standard care," said the airline. Said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of. In a statement released on Wednesday.
"The COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world's air transportation system in early 2020. Now, more than two years later, global travel is back and people are up to now. We are returning to flight at unprecedented speeds. Our industry. "
Rousseau said these factors caused" unprecedented and unexpected tensions in every aspect of the world's aviation system. " He said it has led to flight delays and congestion of airport space.
Also, "meaningful reductions" in the summer schedule to reduce the volume and flow of passengers to the level we believe. We are spurring airlines to do so. The air transportation system can handle . "
Much less daily round trips
Prior to these reductions, Air Canada operated about 1,000 flights per day, an airline spokesman said. Peter Fitzpatrick says.
"Three routes between Montreal and Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Kelowna, and one route from Toronto to Fort McMurray will be temporarily suspended," Fitzpatrick said.
Most flights affected by the change depart from Toronto and Montreal hubs.
"These are mainly frequency drops, which affect mainly evening and midnight flights by small aircraft on cross-border domestic flights," he said.
However, he said, "International flights are unaffected and there are some timing changes to reduce peak flights and even out the flow of customers."
'It's not an easy decision'
The president of Air Canada's airline said Air Canada did everything it could to prepare for these challenges, but now He said the business needed to be adjusted to suit the situation.
"This wasn't an easy decision, because additional flights will be canceled and some customers will be adversely affected," Rousseau said.
"But by doing this in advance, affected customers will take the time to make other arrangements in order, rather than interrupting the trip just before or during the trip.
Rousseau has provided customers with a "heartfelt apology" for any delays they have faced or will face.
"I assure you that also recognizes the challenges at hand very clearly, is taking action, and is confident that there is a strategy to address them. "He said. "This is our main focus at all levels."
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