Air Canada Pilots Challenged Incoming CEO Over Labor Dispute
The Air Line Pilots Association expressed concerns to Anko van der Werff regarding an ongoing SAS pilot dismissal case.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Business Travel
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Air Canada pilots have questioned incoming CEO Anko van der Werff over his handling of a labor dispute at his current employer, SAS. The move comes as an international pilot federation demands the reinstatement of a captain fired in August 2026.
Why it matters
The intervention seeks to gauge how van der Werff intends to manage relationships with organized labor before he assumes his new role in Canada. It highlights a growing international effort to challenge the dismissal of Captain Mattias Åman Thiel.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations represents 160,000 pilots globally, now pushing for the return of a pilot dismissed by SAS. The dispute centers on whether the captain was traveling abroad or working remotely while on union duty.
The players
Anko van der Werff
He currently serves as the CEO of SAS and is scheduled to become the CEO of Air Canada by the end of January 2027.
Tim Perry
He serves as the president of ALPA Canada and sent a formal letter to the incoming CEO regarding the labor concerns.
Mattias Åman Thiel
He is a captain who was dismissed from SAS in August 2026, triggering an international legal and labor response.
Vagn Sørensen
He serves as the board chair for Air Canada and was a recipient of the formal letter sent by the pilot union.
The details
The Swedish Airline Pilots Association has filed a lawsuit in the Swedish Labour Court challenging the termination of Captain Mattias Åman Thiel. SAS alleges the captain traveled abroad while on union leave, while the union maintains he was performing his duties remotely.
Timeline
Captain Mattias Åman Thiel was fired from SAS in August 2026.
Anko van der Werff will take over as Air Canada CEO by the end of January 2027.
Travel Outlook
This dispute follows the established pattern of international labor federations intervening in regional airline personnel decisions. The case highlights how global pilot unions utilize coordinated pressure to influence management policies across different international markets.
Travelers should note that international labor disputes can occasionally result in operational disruptions or policy shifts at major carriers. Monitoring these legal developments is essential for understanding potential changes to airline labor relations and management stability.
The takeaway
Labor relations remain a central focus for airline stakeholders ahead of executive leadership transitions. Clear communication between incoming CEOs and unions is critical to maintaining operational stability during periods of corporate change.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Paxnews.
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