WestJet (original) (raw)

Airline of Canada; based in Calgary, Alberta

This article is about the Canadian airline. For the American airline previously named WestJet Express, see Allegiant Air.

WestJet Airlines Ltd.
IATA ICAO Call sign WS WJA[1] WESTJET[1]
Founded June 27, 1994; 30 years ago (1994-06-27)
Commenced operations February 29, 1996;28 years ago (1996-02-29)
AOC # Canada 8993[2]United States WJ0F768F[3]
Hubs Calgary[4]Toronto–Pearson
Focus cities EdmontonVancouverWinnipeg
Frequent-flyer program WestJet Rewards
Subsidiaries Sunwing AirlinesSunwing Vacations GroupWestJet CargoWestJet Encore
Fleet size 180 (including Encore) [5]
Destinations 104[6]
Parent company Onex Corporation
Headquarters Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Key people Alexis von Hoensbroech (President & CEO)
Founders Clive BeddoeDavid Neeleman
Employees 14,000 (May 2024)[7]
Website westjet.com

WestJet Airlines, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta,[8] is the second-largest airline in Canada.[9] It began operations in 1996 with 220 employees, three aircraft, and five destinations.[10] It was launched as a low-cost alternative to the country's major airlines.[11] Today, WestJet operates scheduled, charter, and cargo air service, transporting more than 25 million passengers per year.[12] The airline has a significant domestic and international network, which serves over 100 destinations across North America, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Central America.[13] WestJet has an average of 777[14] flights per day, solidifying its position as the eighth-largest airline in North America by frequency.

WestJet's fleet primarily consists of Boeing 737 aircraft (Next Generation and MAX families), which are well-suited for its extensive list of short and medium-haul routes. In 2015, WestJet begun offering long-haul flights which necessitated the acquisition of wide-body aircraft, and it took delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2019.[15][16]

WestJet has two direct subsidiaries: WestJet Encore,[17] which operates the Bombardier Q400 on routes in Western Canada, and WestJet Cargo which operates four Boeing 737-800BCF, which were previously used as WestJet passenger aircraft and converted for cargo use.

In December 2019, WestJet Airlines was acquired by Kestrel Bidco Inc., a subsidiary of Onex Corporation. This acquisition resulted in WestJet transitioning from a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "WJA" to a private company.[18]

In May 2023, WestJet expanded its reach further with the acquisition of Sunwing,[19] a Canadian leisure airline. This integration is expected to be completed by October 2024, bringing Sunwing's staff and aircraft under the WestJet banner.[_citation needed_]

WestJet is not a member of any major airline alliances,[20] such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam. However, it utilizes codeshare and interline agreements with various airlines. These agreements allow WestJet to place its flight code on flights operated by other airlines, and vice versa.[21]

1994–1999: First flights

[edit]

One of WestJet's Boeing 737-200s at Calgary International Airport, July 1998

WestJet was founded on June 27, 1994,[22] by Clive Beddoe, David Neeleman, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan, and Donald Bell. WestJet was based on the low-cost carrier business model pioneered by Southwest Airlines and Morris Air in the United States. Its original routes were all located in Western Canada, which gave the airline its name.

On February 29, 1996, the first WestJet flight (a Boeing 737-200) departed. Initially, the airline served Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver and Winnipeg with a fleet of three used Boeing 737-200 aircraft and 225 employees. By the end of that same year, the company had added Regina, Saskatoon and Victoria to its network.

In mid-September 1996, WestJet's fleet was grounded due to a disagreement with Transport Canada over maintenance schedule requirements. The airline suspended all service for two weeks before resuming flights.[23]

In early 1999, Clive Beddoe stepped down as WestJet's CEO and was replaced by former Air Ontario executive Steve Smith. In July 1999, WestJet made its initial public offering of stock at 2.5 million shares, opening at $10 per share.[24] The same year, the cities of Thunder Bay, Grande Prairie, and Prince George were added to WestJet's route map.

In 2000, WestJet CEO Steve Smith was released from WestJet after 18 months in the position, apparently due to differences in management style;[25] Smith went on to head rival Air Canada's low-cost subsidiary Zip. After Smith's departure, Clive Beddoe again became CEO of the company, a position he held until July 2007.[26]

2000–2003: Domestic expansion

[edit]

A WestJet Boeing 737-200 arriving at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, April 2001. The airline began service into Eastern Canada in 2001.

Due to restructuring in the Canadian airline industry resulting from Air Canada's takeover of Canadian Airlines in 2000, WestJet expanded into Eastern Canada, beginning service to the cities of Hamilton and Ottawa, Ontario, and Moncton, New Brunswick. The airline selected John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport to be the focus of its Eastern Canadian operations and its main connection point in Eastern Canada.

In 2001, WestJet's expansion continued with routes to Comox, along with Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Ontario, Thompson and Brandon, Manitoba; however, service to each of these four cities has since been withdrawn. Service to Brandon, Manitoba and Sudbury, Ontario,[27] was subsequently resumed by WestJet's wholly owned subsidiary, WestJet Encore.

In 2002, the airline also added another two new Eastern Canadian destinations: the Ontario cities of London and Toronto. In April 2003, WestJet added Windsor, Montreal, Halifax, St. John's and Gander.

WestJet entered into a two-year agreement with Air Transat in August 2003 whereby WestJet aircraft would be filled by Transat's two main tour operators, World of Vacations and Transat Holidays. These chartered flights operated largely to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean and the planes were operated by WestJet crews. This agreement between WestJet and Air Transat was amicably terminated in February 2009.[28]

In 2004, rival airline Air Canada accused WestJet of industrial espionage and filed a civil suit against WestJet in Ontario Superior Court. Air Canada accused WestJet of accessing Air Canada confidential information via a private website to gain a business advantage.[29] On May 29, 2006, WestJet admitted to the charges leveled by Air Canada and agreed to pay C$5.5 million in legal and investigation fees to Air Canada and donate C$10 million to various children's charities in the names of Air Canada and WestJet.[30]

2004–2006: International expansion

[edit]

In January 2004, WestJet announced that it was moving the focus of its Eastern operations from Hamilton to Toronto the following April, fully moving into the lucrative Toronto–Ottawa–Montreal triangle and tripling the total number of its flights out of Toronto Pearson International Airport.[31]

A WestJet Boeing 737-700 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, October 2004. WestJet introduced flights to Phoenix and other U.S. cities in 2004.

In 2004, several U.S. destinations were added or announced. These included San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and LaGuardia Airport in New York City.[32] In early 2005, Palm Springs and San Diego were added to the company's list of destinations, while New York–LaGuardia was dropped. In April 2005, it announced new seasonal service to Charlottetown and ceased service to Gander. In fall 2005, Ft. Myers and Las Vegas were added to the growing list of destinations.

In late August 2005, WestJet flew to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, transporting members of a Vancouver-based urban search and rescue team to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.[33]

After rumours and speculation surrounding the implementation of extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS), WestJet announced new service to the Hawaiian Islands from Vancouver on September 20, 2005. In December 2005, the airline began flying from Vancouver to Honolulu and Maui.

WestJet's first scheduled service outside Canada and the United States began in 2006, to Nassau, Bahamas. This was considered a huge milestone within the company's long-term destination strategy and was a vital goal for future international market presence.

In September 2006, Sean Durfy took over as president of WestJet from founder Clive Beddoe.[34]

On October 26, 2006, WestJet announced that it had its best quarterly profit to date, of C$52.8 million.

2007–2009: Continued growth

[edit]

A WestJet Boeing 737-700 landing at Princess Juliana International Airport, October 2007. WestJet introduced several international seasonal flights that year.

In 2007, WestJet announced that it would begin flights from Deer Lake in Newfoundland, Saint John in New Brunswick and Kitchener-Waterloo in Ontario. In June 2007, WestJet added seven new international seasonal flights to Saint Lucia, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico as well as a third Hawaiian destination, Kona.

The same year, WestJet commissioned the construction of a new six-story head office building, next to their existing hangar facility at the Calgary International Airport. The building was constructed following the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, featuring a rainwater retention system and geothermal heating. The first employees moved in during the first quarter of 2009, and the building officially opened the following May.[35] The WestJet Campus building was certified as LEED Gold standard in October 2011.[36]

In May 2008, WestJet launched daily non-stop service to Quebec City. The next month, WestJet commenced seasonal service between Calgary and New York City via Newark Liberty International Airport. In May 2009, the airline launched new seasonal service to the cities of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories[37] and Sydney, Nova Scotia;[38] service to Yellowknife was later extended through the winter of 2009–10.

During the 2000s (decade), WestJet made significant gains in domestic market share against Air Canada. In 2000 it held only 7% to Air Canada's 77%, though by the end of 2009 WestJet had risen to 38%, against Air Canada's 55%.[39]

In late April 2009, WestJet temporarily suspended service to several of its destinations in Mexico due to the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in the country. The suspension of service to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta lasted from early May until mid-June, with seasonal service to Cancún being restored the following fall.[40]

In July 2009, WestJet announced 11 new international destinations for its winter schedule. These included expanded service to the United States, to Atlantic City, New Jersey, Lihue (Kauai), Hawaii and Miami, Florida. New Caribbean destinations included Providenciales, in the Turks and Caicos Islands; St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; Freeport, Bahamas; as well as the cities of Varadero, Holguín and Cayo Coco in Cuba. Ixtapa and Cozumel were also added to the list of destinations served in Mexico.[41][42]

In November 2009, WestJet announced service to the British island territory of Bermuda, which commenced in May 2010.[43] WestJet also resumed seasonal service to Windsor, Ontario that same month.[_citation needed_]

2010–2016: Overseas expansion

[edit]

In March 2010, Sean Durfy resigned from his position as WestJet's CEO, citing personal reasons.[44] He was replaced by Gregg Saretsky, a former executive at Canadian Airlines and Alaska Airlines and previously Vice-President of WestJet Vacations and Executive Vice-President of Operations.

In July 2010, WestJet announced service to Santa Clara, Cuba, New Orleans and Grand Cayman bringing the total number of destinations to 71. Service to New Orleans lasted only one season and did not return the next year.

In late 2010, WestJet announced it was wet-leasing a Boeing 757 aircraft to expand service between Calgary to Honolulu and Maui and Edmonton to Maui, on a seasonal basis.[45][46] Also that year, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), an independent administrative tribunal of the Government of Canada that regulates airlines, found WestJet's baggage policies to be unreasonable and/or contrary to the requirements of the Canada Transportation Act and/or the Air Transport Regulations on several different occasions.[47][48][49][50][51][52]

On January 26, 2011, after Air Canada terminated California service, WestJet announced plans to enter service to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California from Vancouver and Calgary starting May of that year.[53]

A WestJet Boeing 737-600 at LaGuardia Airport, May 2013. Scheduled service to the airport from WestJet began the previous year.

In November 2011, WestJet won an auction for time slots at New York's LaGuardia Airport ushering in a return to service to New York.[54] Details of WestJet's scheduled service to LaGuardia were officially announced in January 2012.[55] From 2012 to 2014, WestJet further expanded into the United States by adding Chicago via O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Myrtle Beach International Airport, and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

On November 15, 2013, WestJet announced their first destination in Europe. Seasonal service from St. John's, Newfoundland to Dublin, Ireland, would operate from June to October 2014.[56]

In January 2014, WestJet chartered an Atlas Air Boeing 747-400 to transport stranded passengers and luggage during the 2013 Central and Eastern Canada ice storm. The charter flew from Lester B. Pearson International Airport to Calgary International Airport.[57]

On July 7, 2014, WestJet announced that it was in the "advanced stages of sourcing" four wide-body aircraft that would begin flying by the fall of 2015.[58] These would initially serve on the seasonal Alberta-Hawaii routes when WestJet's service agreement with Thomas Cook Airlines—who currently fly these routes on behalf of WestJet—expires in the spring of 2015. WestJet would take delivery of four Boeing 767-300ERs in summer 2015.[59] WestJet took delivery of the first of these aircraft on August 27, 2015.[60][61]

On June 16, 2015, WestJet announced the launch of service to London's Gatwick Airport on May 6, 2016. It is the carrier's third transatlantic destination after Dublin and Glasgow. The majority of flights to London use the wide-body Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.[62] On September 15, 2015, WestJet flights to London direct from Edmonton, St. John's, Vancouver, Winnipeg (seasonal) Calgary and Toronto (year-round) went on sale to the public.[63] During winter months, WestJet continued to serve the seasonal Edmonton - Maui, Calgary - Honolulu, and Calgary - Maui flights with the 767-300ER aircraft before their eventual retirement in 2020.

2017–2019: Transition to full-service carrier

[edit]

A Swoop Boeing 737-800. WestJet established the low-cost subsidiary in 2017, which ceased operations on 28 October 2023 due to its re-integration.

In April 2017, WestJet announced plans to launch an ultra-low-cost carrier in late 2017.[64] The new airline would operate using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and compete with new entrants to the market, such as Flair Airlines.[65] The launch of the new airline, named Swoop, was delayed until June 2018.[66]

While announcing an expansion of the senior leadership team on January 11, 2018, Gregg Saretsky reconfirmed the airline's strategic goal to become a global, full-service carrier.[67]

On March 8, 2018, the CEO of WestJet, Gregg Saretsky retired.[68] He was replaced by company vice-president, Ed Sims.

On May 8, 2018, WestJet announced that it would be adding the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its fleet. The first aircraft was delivered to the airline in January 2019.[14]

On May 10, 2018, WestJet's unionized pilots voted 91 percent in favour of strike action. The key issue in negotiations was the outsourcing of work to operate Swoop aircraft.[69] On May 25, 2018, WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) agreed to a settlement process through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.[70]

On May 14, 2018, WestJet announced new 2-2 Premium Economy seating to replace its previous 3-3 seats which had a middle seat blocker. The new seats feature a wider configuration on 737 aircraft. The offering began on its Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft in winter 2018,[71] with all 737s being reconfigured by 2020.

On May 31, 2018, WestJet operated its first flight to mainland Europe with the inaugural flight from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport.[72]

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced its application to the Canadian Government for certification of WestJet's approximately 3,200 flight attendants on July 9, 2018. On July 31, 2018, the Government of Canada via the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) issued an interim order certifying CUPE as the accredited union for WestJet mainline flight attendants.[73][74]

A WestJet Boeing 787-9 taking off from Toronto Pearson International Airport

On October 12, 2018, WestJet announced its new branding, along with details on the arrival on the Boeing 787-9. WestJet changed its slogan from "Owners Care" to "Love where you're going", announced a new logo (however, such logo was seen in May with the announcement of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner along with its livery), announced the Boeing 787 routes and launch dates, and an overall new brand image. Boeing 787 flights were announced to commence on April 28, 2019, with service from Calgary International Airport to London Gatwick Airport, with service to Paris and Dublin following.[75]

On May 13, 2019, WestJet announced it had reached an agreement to be purchased by Onex Corporation for $5 billion Canadian dollars. At the time, it had 13 Boeing 737 Max jets in suspended operation, with another 57 of the type ordered from the manufacturer. The purchase price of WestJet was slashed heavily due to the grounding of the MAX aircraft.[76]

2020–2022: COVID-19 pandemic

[edit]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic response required by world governments including Canada, WestJet faced an unprecedented decline in demand for flights along with the rest of the aviation industry. In addition, there were numerous cases of COVID-19 reported on board WestJet flights.[77]

In March 2020, WestJet suspended all international flights,[78] resulting in widespread workforce adjustments. Approximately half of the employees, totaling 6,900, were laid off on March 24.[79] Subsequently, on April 9, WestJet temporarily rehired 6,400 employees through the federal wage subsidy program (CEWS).[80] Additional layoffs followed, with approximately 8,000 employees between April and June,[81][82] as part of a restructuring plan, leaving only 4,500 employees on the payroll. Before the pandemic, WestJet employed over 14,000 individuals.[83] By February 2021, the company laid off an additional 250 staff members due to ongoing travel restrictions.[_citation needed_] However, it's noteworthy that a majority of employees were successfully recalled by February 2022, reflecting the company's efforts in adapting to the challenging circumstances.

2022–present: Focus on Western Canada and strategic low-cost plan

[edit]

On June 16, 2022, WestJet announced that it will be reaffirming the airline's commitment to "embracing its cost-conscious roots in service of affordable air travel for Canadians". With this in mind, the current CEO has announced that the airline will be returning to its low-cost roots, shifting its focus to western Canada, and investing in leisure routes.[84] This change resulted in numerous routes and destinations in eastern Canada to be dropped.[85][86]

On September 29, 2022, WestJet announced it had placed an order for an additional 42 Boeing 737 MAX 10, making the airline's narrow-body order book the largest in Canada.[87]

On October 6, 2022, WestJet's CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, and Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney, announced a major partnership between the Government of Alberta and the WestJet Group. The agreement outlined that Calgary International Airport would become WestJet's sole global hub and the company would designate the airport as "the only airport where WestJet connects directly to intercontinental destinations"[88] Additionally, WestJet would base its entire Boeing 787 fleet in Calgary, opening up the potential for new routes to Europe and Asia. WestJet would also base over 100 aircraft in Calgary and double its capacity at the airport before the end of the decade.[89]

On December 5, 2022, WestJet announced its first destination in Asia, with service from Calgary International Airport to Narita International Airport beginning with three times weekly service on April 30, 2023. WestJet also announced new routes from Calgary to Barcelona–El Prat Airport and Edinburgh Airport, both being served three times a week beginning in May 2023, as well as frequency increases on existing European routes as a part of their plan to increase capacity in Calgary by more than 25% in 2023.[90]

In November 2023, WestJet announced the restart of transatlantic service in Eastern Canada utilizing its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, with the return of service from Toronto to Dublin and Edinburgh,[91] St. John's to London (Gatwick)[92] and Halifax to Dublin, Edinburgh and London (Gatwick). The airline also announced the expansion of transatlantic service from Calgary with new non-stop flights to Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. WestJet also revealed plans to expand its Asian footprint with new seasonal service from Calgary International Airport to South Korea's Incheon International Airport.[91]

In June 2024, WestJet's aircraft mechanic union launched a three-day strike, forcing over 1000 flights to be cancelled in the lead up to the Canada Day long weekend.[93] In October 2024, WestJet will be transitioning all WestJet Link routes from Link to Encore, ending the airline's six-year capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines.[94] The change is announced as a growth strategy for WestJet's regional network, which will see the WestJet Link routes now being operated by WestJet Encore's 78-seat Bombardier Q400, as opposed to Pacific Coastal's 34-seat Saab 340B.

Acquisition of Sunwing

[edit]

On March 2, 2022, the WestJet Group announced its intent to acquire the Canadian sun-focused airline Sunwing. Both WestJet and Sunwing reported that they had reached a mutual, definitive agreement for the merger. Following the close of the transaction, the two airlines would create a new "tour business operating unit" which would be led by current Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter, which would bind the two airlines' vacation units - Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations - together. The "tour business operating unit" would be based out of Sunwing's head office in Toronto, while the operations of Sunwing Airlines would be transitioned and managed at WestJet's head office in Calgary. The acquisition announcement was made shortly after WestJet's new CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech assumed the role. Shortly after, the Canadian Competition Bureau was asked to review this intent.[95]

On October 26, 2022, the Canadian Competition Bureau sent a letter to the Ministry of Transportation under the Government of Canada, raising "significant concerns" and "uncertainty" on the acquisition. The letter raised concerns about the elimination of competition between the two airlines, which would result in "substantial lessening" or "prevention" of competition in the sale of airline vacation packages to Canadians, specifically to ones which are for sun destinations, such as to Mexico or the Caribbean. The report stated that "the proposed transaction will result in one of Canada's largest integrated tour operations being acquired by one of its primary rivals in the provision of vacation packages." The report also stated that "overall, WestJet and Sunwing account for 37 percent of non-stop capacity between Canada and sun destinations, and 72 percent of non-stop capacity between Western Canada and sun destinations." The report also outlined warnings in which for the acquisition would take place, it would likely result in "higher ticket prices and lower services offered."

In the report, the Competition Bureau also raised concerns about the "monopoly" that the merger would create on 16 routes between Canada and Mexico or the Caribbean. However, in an emailed statement to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation which was sent on October 26, 2022 from Sunwing spokesperson Melanie Anne Filipp said that the routes which were identified by the Competition Bureau were "predominately" in Western Canada and accounted for a "very small portion of Sunwing's operations" - just over 10 percent - and were "primarily seasonal routes". As well, Filipp says that 6 out of 16 routes that the Competition Bureau had identified as a concern were no longer being operated by Sunwing. "We remain confident that this transaction is good news for Canadians."[96]

News outlets have also been quoting Air Canada and Air Transat's failed merger.[97] The acquisition, which was set to merge Canada's largest airline with Canada's third largest and top leisure airline, fell through, even after the Canadian government gave Air Canada and Transat the green light to go through with the merger, which saw Air Canada buyout Air Transat for just over US $150 million. It fell through after European Union regulators refused to grant Air Canada and Transat A.T. the go-ahead for the buyout, which is where Air Transat and Air Canada gain lots of revenue - on trans-Atlantic flights from Canada to Europe. In April 2021, Air Canada and Air Transat mutually agreed to terminate the buyout.

On March 10, 2023, the Canadian federal government formally approved the WestJet Sunwing merger. "Today's decision was not taken lightly, especially in light of everything that happened over the holidays for those who flew with Sunwing,” Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a statement, as he referred to the chaos during the December 2022 North American winter snowstorm that disrupted millions who had travel plans over the winter holidays. Sunwing's handling over the situation was heavily criticized as it left thousands stranded in Cancun, Mexico. “After considering the pros and cons, we have made the decision that will allow Sunwing to continue to provide affordable vacation packages to Canadians, create more good jobs and protect current jobs as well as Canadians who have already purchased tickets.” he continued. However, with the green light, are several conditions in which the merger must follow. It goes as follows:[98]

On May 1, 2023, The WestJet Group completed its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. Stephen Hunter, formerly the CEO of Sunwing Vacations, has been appointed CEO of the WestJet Group's Vacations Business, responsible for all tour operating and vacation package businesses of both the Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations brands. The WestJet Group's newly combined tour operator businesses, comprising WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, will be headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and will continue to operate a Montreal office.

On June 17, 2023, WestJet confirmed it will wind down Sunwing Airlines, integrating the low-cost carrier into its mainline business within two years as part of a plan to streamline operations on an unknown date.[98]

On September 29, 2023, WestJet stated via an announcement that they aim to merge Sunwing's entirety into WestJet by October 2024. They plan to convert all of Sunwing's 18 Boeing 737 aircraft into WestJet's mainline and transition more than 2,000 current Sunwing employees into WestJet's existing structure by that date. This merger is on top of WestJet's decision to shut down Swoop, its former ultra-low-cost carrier which it brought into the market in 2017. As of October 2023, Swoop has been fully integrated into WestJet; however, the aircraft from Swoop retain the Swoop livery and cabin.[99][100]

Ownership and structure

[edit]

WestJet's headquarters is based at Calgary International Airport.

WestJet Airlines Ltd. is operated by WestJet Group, a private company, incorporated and domiciled in Canada, which since December 2019 has been owned by Toronto-based private equity firm Onex Corporation.[101]

On May 13, 2019, WestJet announced that it had accepted an offer from Onex Corporation to purchase the company, a 5−billiondealthatwouldrequireshareholderapproval(inJuly)andregulatoryapproval.Theofferwasfor5-billion deal that would require shareholder approval (in July) and regulatory approval. The offer was for 5−billiondealthatwouldrequireshareholderapproval(inJuly)andregulatoryapproval.Theofferwasfor31 a share, substantially higher than the closing price of approximately $18 at the close of trading on the previous business day.[102] Completion of the acquisition was announced on December 11, 2019, after the regulator had determined that WestJet will continue to meet Canadian ownership and control requirements if Onex amends its bylaws to ensure any matters voted on by the board of directors are done with a majority of Canadian directors present.

WestJet's shares were withdrawn from the market, having previously been publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol WJA.[103]

De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 used by WestJet Encore, a regional airline subsidiary

WestJet Encore is WestJet's affiliated regional airline, which commenced operations on June 24, 2013, with a fleet of Bombardier Q400 twin-turboprop aircraft.[104] WestJet Encore was granted its separate Air Operator Certificate from Transport Canada, on June 12, 2013.[105] It was set up to serve smaller communities in Canada.

A Saab 340 used by WestJet Link, a subsidiary that connects feeder flights to WestJet hubs

WestJet Link, launched in June 2018, is a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines operating flights on behalf of WestJet.[106] The service "links" passengers from WestJet's hubs at Calgary and Vancouver to smaller communities in Western Canada using Saab 340B aircraft.[107] This agreement is set to end in October 2024, with WestJet transitioning most routes from Link to Encore.[94]

Swoop was an ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) owned by WestJet that commenced operations on June 20, 2018. Swoop operated a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.[108] Swoop fully integrated with WestJet's mainline operations on October 28, 2023.[109]

WestJet Vacations is a subsidiary of the Sunwing Vacations Group. The vacation arm was established to provide customers with comprehensive travel packages, combining flights and accommodations to various destinations. The service was officially launched in June 2006,[110] allowing WestJet to extend its offerings beyond air travel and cater to the growing demand for all-inclusive vacation options.[111]

WestJet Vacations offers a range of travel packages, including flights, accommodations, and sometimes car rentals or other amenities. These packages are designed to provide customers with convenience and cost savings when planning their vacations. The destinations covered by WestJet Vacations span across popular tourist spots in Mexico, the Caribbean, the United States, and other locations.

Sunwing Vacations Group

[edit]

The recently established Sunwing Vacations Group, a part of the WestJet Group, comprises five prominent vacation and travel brands: Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, Vacation Express (a U.S. tour operator), and travel retailers SellOffVacations.com and Luxe Destination Weddings. This development follows the WestJet Group's acquisition of Sunwing, finalized in May 2023. Despite their integration, each brand under the Sunwing Vacations Group umbrella will maintain its unique identity, collectively representing the largest vacation brands in North America, as highlighted by Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing Vacations Group.[112]

The key trends for the WestJet Group (including subsidiaries) are:

(years ending December 31) 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Turnover (C$m) 3,427 3,662 3,977 4,029 4,123 4,507 4,733
Net profit after tax (C$m) 242 269 317 368 295 279 91
Number of employees (FTE at year end) 7,742 8,000 8,698 9,211 9,988 11,089 11,624
Number of passengers (m) 17.4 18.5 19.7 20.3 22.0 24.1 25.5
Passenger load factor (%) 82.8 81.7 81.4 80.0 81.8 83.6 83.8
Number of aircraft (at year end) 100 113 122 140 153 168 177
Notes/sources [103] [103] [103] [103] [103] [113] [12]

Annual accounts do not appear to have been published for 2019 onwards, as WestJet became a private company that year and no longer publicizes this information.

WestJet and WestJet Encore currently fly to more than 100 destinations in 28 countries[10][15] throughout North and Central America, the Caribbean and Europe including 39 cities in Canada and 29 in the United States. WestJet's largest hubs in terms of daily departures are Calgary International Airport, the airline's main connection point in Western Canada and Toronto Pearson International Airport, the airline's main connection point in Eastern Canada. WestJet provides the most Canadian flights to Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Las Vegas and Orlando, offering non-stop routes (some of them seasonal) from twelve Canadian cities to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, nine to Las Vegas and eleven to Orlando. Since 2008, WestJet is the largest international carrier, by volume of passengers, flying into Las Vegas.[114][115] WestJet also serves 20 destinations in the Caribbean and seven in Mexico, some on a seasonal basis.

Queue to WestJet check-in counters at Regina International Airport

In July 2015, WestJet announced flights to London Gatwick Airport operated by Boeing 767 aircraft, which had not previously been part of the airline's fleet, starting spring 2016.[116]

In January 2018, WestJet announced its first flight to mainland Europe. WestJet started flying between Halifax and Paris in May 2018. The airline in this route is being operated with its new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.[117]

In October 2018, new international destinations and routes were announced. Starting in 2019, WestJet began direct flights from Calgary to Dublin and Paris. WestJet is using its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to fly these new routes.[118] In addition, the current Calgary to London Gatwick Airport route, which was formerly served by WestJet's Boeing 767 aircraft, has been replaced by new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.[119] At the end of October, WestJet also announced two new destinations. It began flights between Calgary and Atlanta, WestJet's expected joint-venture carrier Delta Air Lines' largest hub, in March 2019. WestJet is the only carrier operating a direct route between Calgary and Atlanta. The airline also announced flights between Toronto and Barcelona, its second destination in mainland Europe which began in May 2019.[120] In June 2021, WestJet announced the opening of a new route from Calgary to Amsterdam[121] followed by Seattle in November 2021,[122] providing convenient connections for business and leisure travellers.

In 2022, WestJet embraced a focus on offering connections to a major international hub and replaced its previous service to London Gatwick with a new route to London Heathrow in March,[123] and Rome was added to WestJet's European offerings in May.[124]

In 2023, WestJet strengthened its presence in the United States, and its partnership with Delta with new routes to Detroit in May and Minneapolis and Washington Dulles in June.[125] The Detroit service strengthens WestJet's presence in the U.S. Midwest, and Minneapolis gained year-round transborder connectivity with the new route, while Washington Dulles offers access to the political and business hub of the United States capital.

Services to Tokyo, WestJet's first destination outside of North America and Europe, began in April 2023.[126] Bonaire, the 'B' in ABC Islands, joined WestJet's vacation destinations in December 2023.[127]

In 2024, the airline announced upcoming services to Reykjavík, Iceland (Keflavík)[128] and Seoul, South Korea both to begin in May.[129]

In 1999, WestJet was in talks regarding a possible 'feeder' arrangement for Air Canada's network.[130] These talks were discontinued when Air Canada went forward with the acquisition of Canadian Airlines the following year.

In 2005, WestJet began a limited interline agreement with Taiwan-based China Airlines, in part to test the company's capability to partner with other carriers.[131]

In 2006, WestJet announced it had been in talks with 70 airlines around the world interested in an interline or codeshare agreement.[132][133][134] In August 2006, in a Globe and Mail interview, then-WestJet CEO Sean Durfy stated that WestJet was in talks with Oneworld. Durfy said that, if a deal with Oneworld were reached, it would allow WestJet to maintain its scheduling flexibility;[135] Durfy was later quoted in 2007 saying that a deal for WestJet to join the Oneworld alliance was unlikely.[136] Despite this, WestJet did formalize a deal with Oneworld in November 2008, to partner on sales of travel to corporate and business travelers.[137]

In July 2008, WestJet announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding to build a distribution and codeshare agreement with U.S.-based Southwest Airlines. However, in April 2010 WestJet announced that the airline partnership with Southwest Airlines was terminated and in October 2010, WestJet partnered with American Airlines instead[138] and later added Delta Air Lines. In light of a possible joint venture between WestJet and Delta, American and WestJet ceased their codeshare agreement on July 31, 2018.[139][140]

In 2017, WestJet, easyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle teamed up to provide direct connections at London Gatwick Airport. The scheme, dubbed by easyJet as "Worldwide by easyJet" allows passengers to connect from easyJet flights to American and Canadian destinations with WestJet and Norwegian.

Codeshare agreements

[edit]

WestJet has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:[141]

Interline agreements

[edit]

WestJet has interlining agreements with the following airlines:[141]

Joint venture with Delta Air Lines

[edit]

On December 6, 2017, WestJet and Delta Air Lines signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend their current codeshare agreement into a joint venture, pending regulatory and board approval.[144]

On July 19, 2018, WestJet and Delta Air Lines signed a definitive ten-year agreement into a joint venture between the two airlines.[145] This joint venture would have served more than 95% of the Canada–U.S. demand. The airlines' current frequent flier programs would also be updated to be more closely aligned, and the airlines will be co-located at key hub airports. However, in November 2020, Delta and WestJet agreed to scrap their plans for a joint venture, as the demands of the United States Department of Transportation were seen "unreasonable and unacceptable" by both airlines.[146] Delta and WestJet have, however, agreed to reciprocal elite member benefits for their respective frequent flier programs.[_citation needed_]

As of September 2024[update], WestJet operates an all-Boeing mainline fleet composed of the following aircraft:[5][147]

WestJet fleet

Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
J W Y Total
Boeing 737-700 38 — — 12 120 132
Boeing 737-800 36 9 — 12 162 174
10 — — 189 189
Boeing 737 MAX 7 — 32 TBA [148]
Boeing 737 MAX 8 27 20 — 12 162 174
12 9 — — 189 189
Boeing 737 MAX 10 — 54 — 12 200 212 Ordered with 22 options.[149]
Boeing 787-9 7 — 16 28 276 320
WestJet Cargo fleet
Boeing 737-800BCF 4 — Cargo [150]
Total: 130 128

The mainline fleet currently consists exclusively of Boeing aircraft, while wholly owned subsidiary Encore flies Bombardier Q400s. 20 aircraft were initially ordered with options for up to 25 more. The first two units were delivered in mid-June 2013.[151] Scheduled passenger service on these aircraft began on June 24, 2013.[152] The first Boeing 737-700 delivery took place in 2001, and the first deliveries of Boeing 737-600 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft began in 2005, with the final 737-600 aircraft delivered in September 2006.

Boeing confirmed on August 2, 2007, that WestJet had placed an order for 23 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. The order was primarily for Boeing 737-700 but with conversion rights to Boeing 737-800s.[153]

In the winter season before acquiring their Boeing 767s and Boeing 787s, WestJet has temporarily wet leased some Boeing 757-200s to expand service between Alberta and Hawaii. From February through April 2011, a single aircraft was leased for this purpose;[45][46] in the winter of 2011–12, a single aircraft was again leased.[154] For the winter seasons from 2012 to 2015, this was expanded to two aircraft.[155][156] In April 2013, it was announced that WestJet would sell ten of its oldest 737-700s and purchase ten 737-800s to modernize and increase capacity of its fleet.

In May 2014, CEO Gregg Saretsky announced that WestJet was considering acquiring wide-body aircraft to operate long-haul international routes. By July of the same year, Saretsky confirmed that wide-body service would begin in 2015.[157] In late June 2014, WestJet announced that the wide-body aircraft were to be second-hand Boeing 767-300ERs sourced from Qantas.[158] The four Boeing 767s were an average of 25 years old, which meant that they needed frequent repairs and downtime for sourcing parts.[159] This resulted in a poor on-time performance of 38 percent in 2016,[159] costing the airline approximately $5 million in the second quarter of 2016.[159] In 2017, WestJet reduced the number of flights from Winnipeg and Edmonton to reduce utilization of the planes for the summer 2017, to cope with any unforeseen delays or cancellations.[159]

In late December 2016, 77% of WestJet pilots approved a new deal that will increase pay for pilots flying wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 767, Boeing 787 or Airbus A330. In a statement, the airline said that it was seeking more large aircraft intending to add new destinations. Saretsky also stated that he hoped for wide-body growth to be responsible, but quick. As of May 2, 2017, WestJet announced the purchase of up to 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft; 10 were firm orders with deliveries from 2019 through 2021, and 10 were options for delivery between 2020 and 2024.[160][161] WestJet ended up only purchasing seven Boeing 787-9 and cancelled the remaining orders. It is believed that the cancelled Boeing 787 orders may have been converted to Boeing 737 MAX orders instead.[_citation needed_]

A WestJet 767-300ER taxiing at Calgary International Airport in early 2020

In early 2005, it was announced that the Boeing 737-200 fleet would be retired and replaced by newer, more fuel-efficient 737 Next Generation series aircraft. On July 12, 2005, WestJet announced that it had completed the sale of its remaining Boeing 737-200 to Miami-based Apollo Aviation Group.[162]

On January 9, 2006, the last Boeing 737-200 was flown during a fly-by ceremony at the WestJet hangar in Calgary, piloted by WestJet founder Don Bell and was a charter flight from Las Vegas to Calgary.[_citation needed_]

In 2003 and 2004, WestJet donated two of its 737-200s to post-secondary schools in western Canada, one to the British Columbia Institute of Technology[163] and a second to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology's Art Smith Aero Centre.[164]

In July 2020, WestJet retired their fleet of 4 Boeing 767-300ERs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[165] In January 2021, it was announced that the four 767-300 aircraft from WestJet were to be among a total of 11 to be purchased by Amazon and converted to freight use.[166]

In the past, WestJet operated the following aircraft:

WestJet former fleet

Aircraft Total Introduced Retired Notes
Boeing 737-200 25 1996 2006
Boeing 737-600 13 2006 2021 Retired due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boeing 757-200 1 2011 2011 Leased from North American Airlines.
7 2011 2015 Wet-leased from Thomas Cook Airlines.
Boeing 767-300ER 4 2015 2020 Retired due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Care-antee" This aircraft was repainted to the Magic Plane in Dec 2013.

"Magic Plane", a Fantasia-themed livery promoting Walt Disney World

#100Boeing737NG subtitle adorns the lower fuselage of the 100th Boeing 737 NG aircraft received by the airline. This aircraft was re-painted in April of 2024 to its new livery.

"Frozen Plane", a Frozen-themed livery promoting Walt Disney World

Special liveries used by WestJet

WestJet's aircraft are painted white except for the lettering on the fuselage, wings and vertical stabilizer.

The tail is divided roughly into slanted thirds, coloured (from front to back) navy blue, white and teal. This pattern is used on the outside of the blended winglets at the end of the wings while, on the inside, the winglets are painted white with "WestJet.com" in dark blue lettering.

In February 2010 WestJet introduced a special livery on one Boeing 737-800 aircraft promoting its customer-service promise, or "Care-antee", in both English and French. This aircraft also featured a new tail design. In 2013, the Care-antee aircraft underwent a second livery change in partnership with Disney, featuring Mickey Mouse from the movie Fantasia and adopting the name "Magic Plane". A second Disney aircraft was completed in 2015, named "Frozen Plane", with characters Elsa and Anna on the vertical stabilizer and a similar theme in the cabin.[167] Following the new CEO's decision, the Disney aircraft were repainted into the normal livery in 2024.

In May 2018, WestJet unveiled a new livery, the first significant change since the inception of the company. It includes a new font for the word "WestJet"; written across the middle of the aircraft fuselage is "The Spirit of Canada" on the port side and "L'esprit du Canada" on the starboard side. An updated, stylized maple leaf on the aircraft tail is also included.[168]

On January 17, 2019, WestJet's first Dreamliner was delivered with the name 'Clive Beddoe', a tribute to one of its founder and former chairman of the board of directors. The aircraft is painted in its new livery.

Business Class is offered only on Boeing 787 and offers private pods, with direct aisle access. The seats feature electronic flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration. Complimentary on-demand dining, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included. On international flights, an amenity kit is provided. WestJet's business class is the only airline in Canada with fully extendable privacy screens.[169]

Premium Class is offered on all mainline aircraft. It varies depending on aircraft type.

On WestJet's 787, Premium Class is in a separate, dedicated cabin. Larger seats with greater recline are offered in a 2-3-2 configuration. Complimentary hot meals, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included. A self-serve social area is also available. On international flights, an amenity kit is provided.

On WestJet's 737, Premium Class is separated from economy with sky dividers and curtain. Larger seats with greater recline are offered in a 2-2 configuration. Complimentary plated hot meals (select flights), snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Boeing 737 MAX 8 cabin

A Boeing 787-9 economy class cabin

Boeing 787-9 economy cabin looking forwards

Economy Class varies depending on aircraft type.

On WestJet's 787, economy seats have a pitch of 31" and are offered in a 3-3-3 configuration. Complimentary hot meals, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included when flying internationally.

On WestJet's 737s, economy seats have a pitch of 31"–34" and are offered in a 3-3 configuration. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are included.[170]

In-flight entertainment

[edit]

WestJet's 737 aircraft feature WestJet Connect, an in-flight entertainment system where passengers use their own mobile devices and laptops. The service includes free access to hundreds of TV shows and movies, paid access to the internet, and access to USB and 110 V power at every seat.[171]

WestJet's 787 aircraft features WestJet Connect and large touchscreen seatback monitors at every seat. The monitors include access to hundreds of TV shows and movies, music, magazines, and games like Angry Birds World Tour, and many more. Complimentary headphones are also included at every seat, with business and premium class offering noise-cancelling headphones and economy with standard earbuds. USB and 120 V power are also included at every seat.

WestJet Encore aircraft are not equipped with any in-flight entertainment.

In-flight food and beverage

[edit]

On flights less than four hours, WestJet offers complimentary beverages and snacks. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

On flights four hours and more, WestJet offers complimentary beverages and snacks, and a buy-on-board meal service in economy on all aircraft. In premium and business class, a complimentary meal and alcoholic beverages are included. When flying to Europe or Asia, a complimentary meal, as well as alcoholic beverages are included in all classes.

WestJet opened its flagship business lounge, Elevation Lounge, in 2020, at Calgary International Airport. WestJet had plans for future Elevation lounges at its other main hubs in Vancouver and Toronto – Pearson, however, these plans did not come to fruition due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. WestJet also has agreements with third-party service providers to provide pay-per-use access for customers, free access to Gold and Platinum members as well as passengers seated in the Business cabin.[172] These agreements include lounges in the following airports:

Accidents and incidents

[edit]

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