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Air Canada flight from Toronto to Delhi faces engine issue after takeoff

Air Canada says one of its flights from Toronto to Delhi on Monday evening developed an engine issue shortly after take-off and had to land back at Pearson airport. The airline said Flight AC042, which left Toronto at 7:44 p.m. Monday, requested a “priority landing,” as the return was not scheduled, after discovering the engine issue. The engine was shut down following standard operating procedures, the airline said, adding that the aircraft are designed to operate with one engine and their pilots are trained to fly safely in such situations. “The aircraft landed normally and taxied to the gate,” Air Canada said in a statement to Global News. The passengers originally on that flight will be travelling to Delhi on a new flight.<br/>

Air Canada pilots hold picket in T.O. as contract discussions stall

Air Canada pilots held an informational picket in downtown Toronto on Tuesday as contract discussions with the airline’s management stall. According to a press release issued by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents the group, the picketing event demonstrates Air Canada pilots’ “resolve and solidarity in achieving an agreement that recognizes the pilots’ contributions and value to the airline and their passengers.” “This week marks more than 240 days since our stale and outdated contract expired,” said F/O Charlene Hudy, Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chair, in the release (and at the event). “Air Canada has the opportunity to recognize our value by making important improvements to our contract, which must include closing the significant wage gap between the United States and Canada. If they fail to do so, we all will lose, and Air Canada will no longer attract and retain the pilots they require.” In January, ALPA and Air Canada entered into a mediation protocol agreement with a professional mediator to facilitate negotiations. This is the final week of negotiations scheduled under the protocol agreement. Since entering mediation, the two parties have been successful in reaching “some agreements,” says the ALPA, but “numerous items remain outstanding.” With only days left in mediation, the pilots are sending a “unified message to management that it’s time to deliver a world-class contract they have earned,” the ALPA says.<br/>

Trade unions push Brussels to approve Lufthansa’s €325m ITA buy

EU antitrust officials are worried the takeover of the former Alitalia fleet could raise prices and cut choice on flights to central Europe and the US. Airline staff representatives today (28 May) called for Brussels to act rapidly to allow Lufthansa’s €325m purchase of Italy's state-owned ITA Airways stock. The letter seen by Euronews adds to pressure on Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission’s lead antitrust official, as time runs out for her to take a view on the deal. “A quick and positive decision" on the merger can “signal that you, the EU Commission, are focusing on strength, competitiveness in a fair market environment and growth in Europe,” said the letter, dated 28 May and signed by 11 aviation unions including Germany’s ver.di and Italy’s ANPAC. “The aim must be to strengthen our European aviation industry, its value creation, its jobs with European standards and to keep its tax revenues in Europe,” added the letter, sent to Vestager and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter also cites the existing burden of EU environmental laws, Russian sanctions, and asymmetric market access on the sector. The case is causing a political storm in Italy, and transport minister Matteo Salvini has said Brussels blocking the deal would be tantamount to a “hostile act”. Italy’s economics and finance ministry is sole shareholder in ITA, which took over from Alitalia, the debt-stricken 70-year-old flag carrier which saw its final flight in 2021.<br/>