Air Canada faces a tough transformation as it celebrates a milestone anniversary

Air Canada limped into its 75th year of business after posting two consecutive years of losses and now finds itself in a public relations fiasco as wildcat strikes by employees recently disrupted operations and the sudden closure of its primary maintenance provider Aveos has put the carrier on the defensive as it attempts to deflect criticism for 2600 employees suddenly losing their jobs.

Those snafus, followed a higher number of pilots calling in sick as the Canadian Government stepped in to prevent both pilots and mechanics from striking as negotiations to reach agreements to replace concessionary contracts forged in 2009 hit impasses. It looks as if Air Canada and its management team headed by CEO Calin Rovinescu face major obstacles in their goal of concluding labour contracts that he concludes are "essential to create a climate of stability".