As my flight arrived in Ottawa last night, the pilot came on the intercom to say, “Thank you for flying with Air Canada. I know you have choices. Thank you for flying with us.”

It’s a small thing. But,the fact that the person who had just flown us safely from one place to another cared enough to say these words sent a message that he was conscious of the fact that he was responsible not just for a chunk of flying metal, but also a hundred souls. And that means a lot when you entrust your wellbeing to a stranger on the other side of the locked door.

So, to the pilot of Air Canada 462 on October 4, thank you for bringing me home safely to my family. I did have a choice. And I’m glad that I chose to fly with you.

Note to Air Canada management:

Your customer facing and flight personnel are doing a great job. Please be concerned with their welfare, keep them happy and Air Canada will have a better chance of making it through the economic downturn.