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Will you be safe flying with fewer flight attendants?




OTTAWA - The federal government wants to let Canada's airlines fly with fewer flight attendants, a move that one union says is a threat to passenger safety.

Transport Canada this week granted WestJet an exemption to the existing rules, allowing the airline to operate with one flight attendant for every 50 passengers, instead of one cabin staff for every 40 passengers.

And the department quietly signalled this week it intends to change the rules so Canadian carriers can fly with fewer flight attendants in the future - seven years after rejecting the same move because of safety concerns.

"The department has considered WestJet's request carefully and is confident that the same levels of safety will be maintained," Transport Minister Denis Lebel said in a statement Monday.
Transport Canada said the exemption puts WestJet on a competitive footing with international standards, saying that airlines based in the United States and other countries operate with one flight attendant for every 50 passenger seats.

"This decision will make WestJet more competitive with U.S. airlines while maintaining a high safety standard," Lebel said.