Lynx pilot negotiations could drive up prices: Expert

Ben Cousins, BNN Bloomberg

A Lynx Air plane is seen in the handout image. (Lynx Air)

With the pilots of Lynx Air paving the way for collective bargaining, one industry expert expects a deal push prices higher on the discount airline.

Earlier this week, Lynx Air pilots and the Air Line Pilots Association announced plans to open negotiations for its first collective agreement, following the pilots of WestJet and Air Canada.

Robert Kokonis, president and managing director of AirTrav Inc., said Lynx pays a lot of the same fees as the major airlines, meaning any concessions to the pilots would likely mean a rise in prices to maintain its narrow margins.

“I find it very interesting that their pilots are already pushing to join a union,” he told BNN Bloomberg Friday. “I would’ve thought from a company culture standpoint, we might not see that pressure for four or five years, so to see that now, it does raise the question as to why that’s happening.”

Looking ahead to the summer travel season, Kokonis said those booking on low-cost airlines such as Lynx need to be wary of the potential for lengthy delays, as those carriers don’t have the robust fleet and open seating to move the passengers around in the event of a mechanical issue.

“It’s just the reality of where we’re at,” he said.

Overall though, Kokonis does not expect the same travel chaos Canadians experienced last summer when some of the country’s airports were among the worst in the world for delays and cancellations.

“All my industry partners are telling me things are relatively good and quiet,” he said.

“Overall, (it) seems to be getting better and nowhere near the issues we had a year ago.”

Still, Kokonis is advising travellers to arrive early, particularly if you’re flying internationally.

Lynx Air president and CEO Merren McArthur to step down in September

The Canadian Press

Lynx Air CEO Merren McArthur, one of the first women to head a national commercial airline in Canada, poses for a portrait in Calgary, Alta., Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Lynx Air says president and CEO Merren McArthur is stepping down for personal reasons. 

The Calgary-based airline says its founding CEO will continue in the role until the end of September to allow time to find her replacement.

Lynx Air says McArthur led the airline to its first flight launch in April 2022, and through a successful first year of operations.

Board chair Bill Franke says in a press release that McArthur saw the airline's launch and rapid growth during one of the most challenging periods in aviation history. 

McArthur says it has been a great privilege to lead at Lynx Air, but that it's time for her to return to her family in Australia. 

The budget airline has been expanding, announcing two new routes for the summer earlier this year. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 29, 2023.