WestJet today celebrated the renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays by taking it to new heights – 35,000 feet to be exact. The airline unveiled a specially designed co-branded Toronto Blue Jays Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, connecting fans in communities across Canada and reinforcing WestJet’s position as a leading national airline.

The co-branded livery on WestJet tail #386 (C-GORP) was revealed during a special celebration at the WestJet YYZ hangar. Nearly 1,000 WestJetters, Toronto Blue Jays representatives, and community members gathered to commemorate the long-standing partnership and get an insider look at the aircraft livery. Among the celebrations were Toronto Blue Jays alumni Edwin Encarnación and Pat Borders, and even an appearance from ACE, the Toronto Blue Jays’ beloved mascot.   

The livery connects the dynamic energy that defines both WestJet and the Toronto Blue Jays. The iconic colours paired with the sweeping design depict the action of an aircraft at takeoff and the arc of a ball soaring off the bat. Guests should keep their eyes to the skies as the aircraft is scheduled to take its first flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport on June 24.

Originally established in 2012, the renewed agreement coincides with a milestone year for both organizations, as the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate their 50^th season and WestJet marks 30 years of connecting Canadians. The new livery and WestJet’s newest player ambassador, Ernie Clement, are just a few of the moments that celebrate the iconic partnership.

WestJet is deepening its routes in Calgary by adding Tool Shed Brewing Company’s true craft beer on board all WestJet flights offering buy on board food and beverage service. Beginning July 15, guests will be able to choose between three of Tool Shed’s most iconic sips: People Skills blonde ale, Golden Hour hazy pale ale and Local Legend light craft lager.

From farm to tap to tarmac

Calgary’s Tool Shed beers are true craft beers; made with malted grains from Canadian Prairies and free of adjuncts like corn and rice syrups. They also support Canadian farmers four times more than macro breweries, helping guests feel good about every sip.

Beer available for sale on applicable WestJet flights beginning July 15:

• People Skills – An easy-drinking, mass appeal beer. Brewed at Tool Shed since day one.
• Golden Hour – Tool Shed’s most drinkable premium style beer. It is hazy, refreshing and hoppy with zero bitterness.
• Local Legend – A new low-alcohol craft lager crafted to deliver a taste so good, guests won’t know it has just 3.5 per cent alcohol content.

For travellers that want to explore Tool Shed’s full suite of craft beer, WestJet guests are eligible to receive a 15 per cent discount on all food, beverages and merchandise at the Tool Shed taproom when they show their WestJet boarding pass 24 hours before departure or after arrival. For taproom details and to learn more about Tool Shed Brewing, visit toolshedbrewing.com

WestJet today celebrated the launch of its new uniform collection for frontline team members, on a special runway at the YYC Calgary International Airport. The uniforms, conceptualized by international designer, Juli Grbac, are unique to Canada and were created with safety and inclusivity at the forefront.

A fit for every body

While developing WestJet’s new uniform, frontline WestJetters across all departments of the airline were consulted throughout the development phases to refine the designs and create a product suited to those who would wear it.

In 2017, WestJet was the first Canadian airline to update their uniform guidelines to be unchained from gender norms. WestJet’s new uniforms, The Lakes and Rocky Mountain collections, further that approach as they are genderless, providing the opportunity for WestJetters to select the uniform that is most authentic and comfortable to them. Redesigned name tags also feature a newly created space for pronouns, to promote greater inclusivity for everyone in WestJet’s world, while an infusion of the airline’s iconic teal colour highlights its 26-year history.

Along with the new uniforms, WestJet recently updated its tattoo policy to ensure frontline staff have the freedom to showcase visible tattoos and celebrate individuality, while wearing their uniform and representing the airline.

Safety in every stitch

Keeping safety above all, every component of WestJet’s new uniforms has been tested for harmful substances or possible skin irritants. WestJet will proudly be the first airline in Canada to carry the Standard 100 OEKO-TEX certification, ensuring all WestJetters will not only look good, but feel good in their uniform.

WestJet’s new uniforms were produced by Unisync, a North American enterprise with exceptional capabilities in garment design. On May 30, 2022, Unisync and WestJet were awarded Best Program in Transportation – Aviation and “Best of the Best” at the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors annual convention.

“Everyone at Unisync is honored to have worked on this collection in collaboration with the WestJet team and designer Juli Grbac,” said Michael Smith, President of Unisync Group Limited.  “We are so excited for all WestJetters to not only have a program that looks great, but also one that has been recognized for its high quality and industry leading safety certification.  From the beginning, we knew that this program was going to be very special, and we’re proud that WestJet entrusted us with this partnership.”

What the new uniforms mean to WestJetters:

“The availability for gender neutrality is so important in supporting the larger and diverse group of people we have working at WestJet,” said Lindsay Poll, WestJet, Cabin Crew Member.

“As a queer identifying person, having options on what I can wear at work, means a lot. When you look good, you feel better and when you feel better, you perform at your best,” said Jodi Tamuyao, WestJet Encore, Cabin Crew Member.

“It’s about wearing something made for my body that I look and feel great in. I love the collection because it does just that,” said Meg Bateman, WestJet, Manager, The Runway Uniform Fit Center.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery: