After a tentative deal ended a flight attendants' strike, WestJet is now in a recovery phase. This development could affect the Canadian airline sector, especially competitors like Air Canada.
WestJet has announced it is entering a recovery phase following an agreement with the flight attendants' union, CUPE, which ended a strike that disrupted travel for many. This situation impacts not only WestJet but also raises questions about the broader airline industry in Canada, particularly for major players like Air Canada, which is currently trading at CA$26.58 with a market cap of CA$7.62 billion. As labor disputes continue to affect flight operations, investors should consider how these developments might influence airline stocks moving forward. CBC News
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Air Canada
AC.TO
AC.TO
Air Canada
WealthAwesomeMarket cap
$5.75B
P/E
15.5x
52W high
$31.45
52W low
$16.45
1W change
-10.22%
Beta
1.63
Analyst Price Targets
Based on analyst covering AC · as of Oct 12, 2026
Wall Street analysts forecast AC stock price to rise 53.4% over the next 12 months.
Consensus
BullishBased on avg. target vs last close (formal rating unavailable for Canadian listings)
Avg. Target
C$34.91
+53.4% Upside
Previously C$35.05 on Oct 8, 2026
Current Price
C$22.76
Last close
Targets are snapshotted when they change. Unchanged figures keep their original date. Not financial advice.
Wealth Awesome Price Forecast
WA ModelStatistical 90-day price range based on AC's historical volatility
30-Day Vol
39.5%
Annualized
90-Day Vol
42.4%
Annualized
Trend (90d)
-5.3%
Annualized drift
90d Mean
C$22.33
Expected price
| Horizon | Expected | 68% Range (1σ) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 trading days | C$22.62 | C$19.73 – C$25.92 |
| 60 trading days | C$22.47 | C$18.53 – C$27.26 |
| 90 trading days | C$22.33 | C$17.63 – C$28.28 |
Methodology: Range is calculated using 30-day realized volatility via geometric Brownian motion (log-normal model). 68% band = ±1σ, 95% band = ±2σ. This is a statistical model, not a prediction. Past volatility does not guarantee future results. Not financial advice.
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Investor takeaway: Long-term investors should monitor how labor relations and recovery phases affect operational stability in the airline sector.
Air Canada's Stock Performance Amid Industry Turmoil
Air Canada's current price of CA$26.58 reflects a 1D increase of 0.19% and a 1W gain of 4.77%, indicating positive market sentiment despite ongoing labor issues in the airline industry. The stock's P/E ratio of 10.98x suggests it is reasonably valued compared to its earnings potential, especially as the airline navigates the recovery phase of its competitors.
Bull case
- Improved Stability: The resolution of the strike may lead to more stable operations for WestJet, which could boost investor confidence across the sector.
- Market Recovery: As travel demand rebounds post-strike, airlines like Air Canada can benefit from increased passenger volumes.
- Competitive Advantage: Air Canada may take the opportunity to capture market share from WestJet during its recovery phase, especially if it can maintain reliable operations.
Bear case
- Lingering Discontent: Ongoing labor tensions could cause further disruptions, affecting not only WestJet but also competitors like Air Canada.
- Market Volatility: The airline sector is known for its volatility; any future strikes or operational issues could lead to significant fluctuations in stock prices.
- Cost Pressures: Rising operational costs, particularly in fuel and labor, could squeeze profit margins for all airlines, including Air Canada.
The Impact of WestJet's Labor Resolution
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WestJet's agreement with CUPE marks a crucial turning point for the airline, which faced significant disruptions due to the flight attendants' strike. As WestJet moves into a recovery phase, it may restore customer confidence and operational stability. This could also create a competitive landscape where Air Canada might capitalize on WestJet's recovery challenges, particularly if it can offer more reliable service during this transition.
Air Canada's Position in a Shifting Market
As WestJet navigates its recovery, Air Canada finds itself in a favorable position, trading at CA$26.58 and showing recent positive price momentum. With a solid market cap of CA$7.62 billion and a reasonable P/E ratio, Air Canada could attract investors looking for stability in the airline sector. However, the potential for further labor disputes remains a concern, and investors should stay vigilant.
What to Watch Next in the Airline Sector
Investors should keep an eye on upcoming earnings reports from both WestJet and Air Canada, as these will provide insights into how each airline is managing operational challenges and labor relations. Additionally, monitoring travel demand trends and fuel prices will be crucial in assessing the overall health of the airline sector in the coming months.
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