Aircraft pilots severely affected by the pandemic

The aviation industry is not doing very well these days. Many pilots experience significant stress, and some are even considering changing jobs.

Things have changed dramatically in aviation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Montreal-Trudeau airport, air traffic in the second quarter (April, May and June) was 162,017 enplaned and deplaned passengers, while last year the figure stood at 5,009,696.

At the same time, last year, it was estimated that 7,000 pilots would be needed in Canada by 2025, and now they are on a forced break. As a result of the layoffs, there are now thousands waiting for a return to normal.

So, many people are anxious about the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and because they do not know when they will be able to return to the air.

Some have decided to give up their trade to go into business, others have taken training to become truck drivers.

Jean-David Veilleux, captain, decided to go picking fruit this summer to make some money.

“Huge stress, that’s for sure. We have cut in the fat, we are in the strict minimum. We have a cushion, but it melts visibly, that’s why I find jobs here and there to make ends meet, ”he testified.

The Veilleux family also has to pay for medicine to treat one of their children who has cystic fibrosis.

“It’s $ 270,000 a year, but it’s not covered by the RAMQ. Fortunately, my group insurance covers it, ”he added.

You should know that training to become a pilot can be very expensive. This is the case for Lukas, who invested $ 70,000 in his training. Today, he finds himself without a job and without savings.

“I started flying a few weeks before COVID started,” he said.

The pilots hope for the end of the mandatory passenger quarantine soon. They are also asking the government for quick financial assistance.

www.journaldequebec.com

About Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith who hails from Toronto, Canada currently runs this news portofolio who completed Masters in Political science from University of Toronto. She started her career with BBC then relocated to TorontoStar as senior political reporter. She is caring and hardworking.

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