Air Canada pilot strike
Passengers heading across the Pacific should prepare for packed planes and more stopovers as Air Canada looks set to become the second airline hit by a pilots' strike.
Only six carriers offer non-stop routes from Hong Kong to North America and, with Northwest Airlines pilots already refusing to fly, Air Canada's action will mean stiff competition for flights on the remaining four.
Talks between management and staff of the Montreal-based airline were scheduled to resume early today, ahead of a planned strike by crew due to begin at midday Hong Kong time.
Both airlines yesterday promised to re-book passengers on other carriers, but many may face longer routes as planes are already heavily booked. This is peak season for students returning home after the summer holidays.
Yesterday, 684 passengers booked on Northwest's flights to and from New York and Minneapolis were transferred to other carriers.
