April 2008 - The news of the departure of the four large air carriers from the Air Transport Association of Canada membership earlier this week has, understandably, left many of you with questions and concerns as to the reasons behind this turn of events and ATAC’s intentions going forward.  As Chairman of ATAC’s Board of Directors, allow me to address some of these issues directly:

1.      ATAC is ‘open for business’ and will continue to be going forward.  While the departing members represent a significant portion of our membership revenue, ATAC benefits from prudent financial planning and a diversified revenue stream, which allows us to continue operations as we develop a new business plan to better respond to existing members’ concerns while identifying administrative savings.

2.      ATAC is absolutely and contractually committed to its obligations to its vendors, exhibitors, sponsors and delegates for the upcoming Annual Spring Reception in Ottawa on May 13 and the AGM & Trade Show in Calgary, November 10-12.  

While I can provide clarity and assurances as to our intentions and prospects going forward, it’s neither as simple nor practical an exercise to attempt to provide clarity as to the intentions or circumstances that led to the resignations themselves.

Certainly, as with all broad-based trade associations, reconciling differing priorities and perspectives amongst the membership base at ATAC has - at times - been a challenging exercise.  In this case, it appears that certain large jet carriers became convinced that there was little value in working cooperatively with the rest of the industry to pursue a coordinated advocacy agenda and that they intend to pursue a new collective effort to narrowly focus their resources on a few targeted advocacy areas to maximize the value of their government relations investments.

While we regret – and disagree with – their decision, the rising cost of oil and new wave of industry consolidation only serves to reinforce our understanding for these sometimes difficult, if short-sighted, financial decisions.  ATAC wishes the departing members well in their endeavors and looks forward to working with them again in the future for the good of the entire commercial aviation sector in Canada.

Finally, let me thank the many of you that have called, emailed or otherwise sent expressions of support to ATAC.  The strong support from our remaining members makes it clear that much remains to be done for the industry and that you are looking to ATAC and its people to deliver.    As Chairman, I share that perspective and can confirm that the rest of the Board feels the same way.

ATAC intends to continue in its mission to serve the commercial aviation sector in Canada going into the future.  We will be in touch with our members, directly, over the coming days and weeks to identify your priorities and goals for the association going forward.

As the famous saying goes, ‘adversity brings opportunity’ and I – for one – am excited about fostering a new era of focus and commitment from ATAC to the core, practical, issues that fully and fairly reflect your everyday business priorities.

Sincerely,

Mike Doiron
Chairman of the Board
Air Transport Association of Canada