ALPA Canada raises concerns over private airport investment

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) Canada is raising concerns about the federal government’s openness to private investment in Canada’s four largest airports.

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that the government would consider private investment to operate the airports.

“Canada’s airports are critical national infrastructure. They underpin our economic prosperity, our connectivity, and our sovereignty,” said Capt. Tim Perry, president of ALPA Canada.

“Opening our largest airports to foreign private investment poses significant risks - not only to Canadian sovereignty but airport operations decisions affect runway maintenance, de-icing capacity, staffing and the pace of infrastructure investment, all of which could impact safety, service, affordability, and the long-term sustainability of Canadian jobs.

“For Canada’s pilots, airports are also our workplaces and a fundamental part of the aviation safety system. Any change to how these critical assets are operated must ensure that safety remains the overriding priority and protect the infrastructure, services, and skilled aviation workforce that pilots and passengers rely on every day.

“Canada’s airports are important national assets, and the government must ensure they continue to prioritize the public interest, safety, and the needs of Canadians—not the interests of private investors and shareholders.”

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