In an interview with Reuters, Mike Rousseau blamed the impasse on a gap between the airline's offer and its union's demands.

Air Canada has suspended plans to restart operations after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants decided to defy a return-to-work order.

On the eve of a possible strike that could see roughly 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants walk off the job at 1 a.m. on Saturday, the country’s largest airline could come to a standstill. Flight staff say they will be prepared to trade the cabin aisle for the picket line if no deal is reached,