With strike avoided, WestJet may need another 48 hours to get back to 'stable state': aviation expert

It could take at least a couple of days for WestJet to get back to full operations, an aviation expert says, after the airline and its pilots union managed to reach a last-minute deal and avoid possible job action Friday.

It could take at least a couple of days for WestJet to get back to full operations, an aviation expert says, after the airline and its pilots union managed to reach a last-minute deal and avoid possible job action Friday.

WestJet Group and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents WestJet and Swoop pilots, have reached a tentative agreement ahead of a potential strike.

"It's going to take them about 48 hours, in my opinion, to get the network back to a stable state," John Gradek, a lecturer at McGill University's School of Aviation Management, told CTV's Your Morning on Friday.

"Crews are out of place, airplanes are out of place because they were parking them, and I think that you want to make sure that everything's in place before you start reopening flights for booking or for operations. So, it could take about a couple of days for it to get back to normal."

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the agreement with the pilots provides "meaningful improvements to job security and scope, working conditions and wages."

"We appreciate we were able to arrive at a deal, however, recognize the impact on our guests and we sincerely appreciate their patience during this time," he said.

Before the agreement had been reached, the airline pre-emptively offered free flight changes and cancellations for certain dates as a possible strike loomed.