WestJet and Swoop have begun cancelling flights as a pilot strike deadline of Friday morning comes closer. The two sides remain far apart, with wages the key sticking point.

“As the WestJet Group prepares for labour action by WestJet and Swoop pilots, the airline has started taking down its network,” the company said in a statement. “This action ensures the airline can avoid abandoning aircraft in remote locations without support and enables the proactive communication with guests and crew to minimize the potential for being stranded.”

WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the company is “extremely disheartened” to have to take the action of cancelling flights, and criticized the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) for its “inability to accept a reasonable offer.”

He added: "We remain at a critical impasse with the union and have been left with no choice but to begin taking the painful steps of preparing for the reality of a work stoppage."

The WestJet Group says it is parking the majority of its 737 and 787 fleet, “in a measured, phased and safe approach.” WestJet Encore, WestJet Link as well as limited 737 flights will continue to operate during this time.

"We remain at the bargaining table, unequivocally committed to achieving a deal as soon as possible, but are equally ready to weather labour action for as long as it takes to arrive at a reasonable outcome," continued von Hoensbroech. "Any guest impact is too high of a cost in the wake of these negotiations and we sincerely apologize that valued guests were caught in the middle of an avoidable conflict."

As negotiations between WestJet and its pilots continued, ALPA approved a merger with the Air Canada Pilots Association's 4,500 members, bringing the country's two biggest flight crew labour groups under one roof. According to officials, that mean 95% of professional Canadian pilots are now represented by a single union.

The WestJet CEO says the potential strike has created a drop in bookings for the airline, which, largely due to the pandemic, hasn't turned a profit since 2019.

With 1,800 pilots at WestJet and Swoop poised to walk off the job Friday, thousands of passengers planning to travel for the May long weekend are being left scrambling. In response, WestJet and Swoop are offering refunds to passengers who cancel flights scheduled until May 21, and no changes fees for bookings within the same period.

Travel advisors can visit WestJet's Guest Updates page or Swoop's information hub for more information regarding flight status and travel changes.