Strike ends early at Air Corsica

The pilots' strike at Air Corsica has concluded before the scheduled deadline, with the company announcing on Monday that an agreement was reached between management and the pilot unions after several days of negotiations. The deal covers issues such as salaries, holidays, and working conditions for technical flight crews.

Operations to resume normally

Air Corsica stated that its flight schedule will return to normal starting Tuesday, October 13. The resolution follows a strike that began on Friday, which added to the company's recent challenges, including the immobilization of five of its seven ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Disputes over salaries and working conditions

The conflict stemmed from significant disagreements between management and the pilot unions, SNPL and SPAC. The unions criticized two years of frozen salaries, the removal of vacation days, and deteriorating working conditions. They also opposed proposed salary increases that included delayed payments starting in 2027 and a system meant to limit the impact of partial activity for crews affected by the ATR crisis.

Agreement focuses on fairness and harmonized treatment

Air Corsica said the agreement is based on the principle of fairness among all pilots and ensures a harmonized treatment, without distinction between co-pilots and captains or between different operational sectors, such as the ATR or Airbus fleets. The company also noted that the situation regarding the immobilized ATR aircraft and the broader economic challenges in aviation were taken into account.

Management praises pilot representatives

The company's management commended the "sense of responsibility" shown by the pilot representatives and highlighted the role of Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, president of the supervisory board, in facilitating dialogue and achieving a solution acceptable to all. The pilots had expressed willingness to end the strike quickly, though they maintained criticisms about the company's management of social dialogue and internal issues.

Ongoing technical crisis with ATR fleet

Despite the resolution of the strike, Air Corsica continues to face a technical crisis with its ATR fleet. Since early September, five of its seven ATR 72-600 aircraft have been immobilized due to persistent odors in the cockpits. Investigations with the manufacturer, engine supplier, and equipment providers are ongoing, and the company is relying on charter flights and schedule changes to maintain its services.

Apologies for travel disruptions

Air Corsica has offered "sincere apologies" to travelers affected by the strike, acknowledging the inconvenience, especially for essential travel to the mainland. The company is now focusing on its transformation plan to enhance competitiveness and sustainability while continuing to serve as an air public service for Corsica.

Other news from Corsica

Other recent news from Corsica includes the Corsica Extreme South Cross Triathlon, where Lilian Paillard, winner of the 202nd edition of the French Cup, competed in various locations. At 19 years old, he also founded the Futsal Club di u Fium'Orbu to promote sports in his region. Results from the Tour de Corse à la voile and the IRC Cup have also been announced.