WestJet Ordered to Stay Mandatory Retirement Requirement

This summer’s decision by WestJet to introduce a requirement that pilots retire by the age of 65 has been put on hold for now. The Calgary Herald reports that a Canada Labour Code arbitrator ordered WestJet to halt its age-restricted flying policy.

The interim decision means the airline will pause implementation of the policy and allow the affected pilots to keep flying domestic routes pending a full grievance hearing which is scheduled for next year in August 2026.

According to Wings Magazine, the airline initially indicated it would lay off its senior pilots on Oct. 31, 2025, citing scheduling and regulatory issues, particularly the U.S. FAA regulations that ban commercial pilots over 65 from operating in U.S. airspace or using U.S. alternate airports. The FAA regulations are in line with contested International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines.

Related: Increased Max Age for Pilots Proposed

 

“The interim decision does not resolve the grievance itself but maintains the employment status of the impacted pilots while the matter proceeds through arbitration,” ALPA representative Bernie Legal said in a statement to the Herald. “ALPA will continue to prepare for the full arbitration hearing and advocate for a resolution that reflects the interests of all the pilot group.” Had the lay-offs gone into effect, it would have affected 44 WestJet pilots immediately and approximately 200 in the coming five-year period.

WestJet has stated it will abide by the arbitrator’s ruling.

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