Tag Archives: 737-8CT

WestJet launches new services from Toronto Pearson

WestJet (Calgary) will launch new nonstop services from Toronto Pearson to six destinations over the next week beginning with twice-weekly service to West Palm Beach which started yesterday (December 11). Other new nonstop destinations include Huatulco, Merida and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida.

WestJet will operate 92 daily departures to 59 destinations from Toronto Pearson this winter, an increase of seven and 13 per cent respectively compared to last winter.

Details of WestJet’s new non-stop services launching from Toronto Pearson this month:

Route Frequency Departs Arrives Effective

Toronto – West Palm Beach Twice weekly 7:25 a.m. 10:32 a.m. Dec. 11, 2015
West Palm Beach – Toronto Twice weekly 11:20 a.m. 2:19 p.m. Dec. 11, 2015
Toronto – Huatulco Twice weekly 9:15 a.m. 1:55 p.m. Dec. 13, 2015
Huatulco – Toronto Twice weekly 2:45 p.m. 8:29 p.m. Dec. 13, 2015
Toronto – Merida Once weekly 8:15 a.m. 11:33 a.m. Dec. 15, 2015
Merida – Toronto Once weekly 12:25 p.m. 5:14 p.m. Dec. 15, 2015
Toronto – San Jose, CR Twice weekly 9:15 a.m. 1:40 p.m. Dec. 15, 2015
San Jose CR – Toronto Twice weekly 2:30 p.m. 8:38 p.m. Dec. 15, 2015
Toronto – Sarasota Twice weekly 8:05 a.m. 11:06 a.m. Dec. 18, 2015
Sarasota – Toronto Twice weekly 11:55 a.m. 2:39 p.m. Dec. 18, 2015
Toronto – Cabo San Lucas Once weekly 9:15 a.m. 12:32 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015
Cabo San Lucas – Toronto Once weekly 1:25 p.m. 8:32 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015

WestJet’s 2015 winter schedule also contains a number of new nonstop routes including Vancouver, Kitchener-Waterloo and Charlottetown to Orlando; Calgary to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Liberia, Costa Rica; and Toronto and Halifax to Boston.

In other news, WestJet will today (December 12) launch new nonstop service from Calgary to Huatulco, its tenth destination in Mexico, and add new nonstop flights from Calgary to Liberia, Costa Rica, beginning on December 19.

With these new services, WestJet will operate 109 daily departures to 47 destinations from Calgary International Airport this winter, an increase of 12 and 17 per cent respectively over last winter. The airline now offers nonstop service from Calgary to 26 Canadian, 10 U.S. and 11 international destinations.

Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8CT C-GWST (msn 37158) in the eye-catching Walt Disney World – Frozen livery departs from Toronto (Pearson).

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WestJet introduces a new Disney Frozen logo jet

WestJet (Calgary) today (October 18) unveiled its new Disney Frozen-theme logo jet on the pictured Boeing 737-8CT C-GWSV (msn 37158). The airline issued this statement:

A plane so cool, it’s frozen. Second custom-painted WestJet aircraft inspired by Disney’s Frozen.

WestJet, WestJet Vacations and The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd., Parks and Resorts, have made magic again, unveiling a second custom-painted, Disney-themed aircraft featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, the highest-grossing animated film of all time.

Like the #MagicPlane featuring Sorcerer Mickey, the images on the #DisneyFrozenThemedPlane tell an enchanting story. The tail of the aircraft features Anna and Elsa celebrating sisterhood and the magic of snow. Moving along the aircraft from back to front, the magic travels to warmer climes where Olaf can be found enjoying a summer day on the beach. The theme carries through to the interior of the aircraft with images on the overhead bins, bulkheads, lavatory mirrors and headrests.

“This aircraft takes the relationship between WestJet and Disney to a completely new level of cool,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “Two years ago, we launched the #MagicPlane, our first Disney-themed aircraft, and no matter where it flies throughout our network, it is the most-anticipated and most-photographed aircraft in WestJet history. Today, we are proud to team up with our great friends at Disney to create a sequel like no other.”

“To see our vision come to life is so exciting, as we collaborated on this project for over a year. Only a very small group of us (WestJetters and Disney Artists and Cast Members) knew and we had to keep our secret under wraps… or should I say, on ice,” said Marlie Morrison, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd., Parks & Resorts. “It’s a truly unique and unforgettable design that Disney Fans and WestJet guests alike will enjoy for years to come.”

Fun facts about the #DisneyFrozenThemedPlane:

The aircraft was painted in Fort Worth, Texas.
The paint team included team members from Canada, the United States and Germany. They watched Frozen to get them into the spirit before work began.
The job took 21 days of 12-hour rotations involving a constant crew of six painters working 24/7.
The crew used 643.5 litres of paint consisting of 23 colours — five for the umbrella alone.
Sparkles were added to the paint in sections to add shimmer and shine as the aircraft moves.
An airbrush artist was brought in to work on details around the sun, water and castle.
The inside of the aircraft has decals and headrest covers that mimic the cold-to-warm (back-to-front) theme on the outside of the aircraft.
There are 54 separate overhead bin doors on the aircraft and each has a unique Frozen decal.
Several dozen bagels were consumed during the painting of this aircraft (there weren’t any doughnut stores nearby). The crew drank more than 100 litres of sweet tea.

All photos by WestJet.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

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WestJet reports record second quarter net earnings

WestJet (Calgary) today announced its second quarter results for 2015, with net earnings of $61.6 million (all amounts in Canadian dollars) ($47.3 million US), or $0.49 per fully diluted share, as compared with the net earnings of $51.8 million, or $0.40 per fully diluted share reported in the second quarter of 2014.

The airline continued:

WestJet achieved an on-time performance rate of 91.3 percent in the second quarter, a year-over-year improvement of 6.8 percentage points, placing WestJet as the top performing North American airline during the quarter. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 16.0 per cent, up 0.2 percentage points from the 15.8 per cent reported in the previous quarter.

“I would like to congratulate our more than 10,000 WestJetters on these exceptional second quarter results which marked our 5th quarter of consecutive record adjusted net earnings,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “The second quarter is historically our most challenging quarter as capacity is transitioned from southern to domestic markets, so it is particularly rewarding to turn in a double digit margin this quarter. With another quarter of record earnings, and after having exceeded our ROIC target for 12 consecutive quarters, we are pleased to announce that we are increasing our target to 13 to 16 per cent, while continuing our commitment to our brand of friendly, caring service and affordable fares.”

On July 27, 2015, WestJet’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per common voting share and variable voting share for the third quarter of 2015, to be paid on September 30, 2015, to shareholders of record on September 16, 2015. All dividends paid by WestJet are, pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act, designated as eligible dividends, unless indicated otherwise. An eligible dividend paid to a Canadian resident is entitled to the enhanced dividend tax credit.

In other news, WestJet today announced it has begun rolling out its new inflight entertainment system featuring wireless Internet connectivity and more than 450 movies and television programs. Called WestJet Connect, the system will be activated on all of WestJet’s Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft and more than 30 percent of WestJet’s Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft by end of 2015, with installations on the majority of the 737 fleet expected to be completed in 2016.

Mobile devices and tablets using either iOS or Android operating systems will need the latest version of the WestJet app prior to boarding. Guests will also be able to access WestJet Connect using their laptops. Tablet rentals will be available on flights longer than three hours and 20 minutes for guests who do not have their own device. The WestJet app will take guests to the WestJet Connect home page where they can begin accessing content. Seats on WestJet Connect-equipped aircraft have 110-volt and/or USB power outlets, allowing guests the opportunity to charge or power their devices.

At launch, WestJet Connect will feature 85 movies and 329 TV programs, including expanded content in French. Content will be refreshed on a monthly basis and will be offered at no charge for an introductory period. The system’s Internet connectivity will be available at an introductory price of $7.99 plus applicable taxes for the duration of each flight.

Once installation is complete, WestJet Connect will be available on all WestJet flights operated on Boeing Next-Generation 737s or 767-300 ER aircraft.

Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. WestJet Airlines’ Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GWSZ (msn 37092) in the special Walt Disney World – Magic Plane scheme arrives at Toronto (Pearson).

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WestJet’s flight attendants approve the new contract, today launches flights to Scotland

WestJet (Calgary) announced its flight attendants have voted in favor of a new work agreement with 81.7 percent of eligible flight attendants voting.

The airline continued;

A tentative agreement was negotiated between WestJet and the WestJet Flight Attendant Association Board (FAAB), the association representing its flight attendants, and was agreed to on April 21, 2015. Voting began on May 22, 2015, and ended May 28, 2015, at 9 a.m. MDT. Items in the ratified five-year agreement include compensation, work rules, standardized processes and a formal framework for discussion between WestJet flight attendants and the airline.

FAAB is a subgroup of WestJet’s Proactive Communication Team (PACT), the wholly-elected employee association representing close to 9,000 WestJetters. This is the first ratified agreement between WestJet and its flight attendants.

In other news, WestJet today (May 29) launches nonstop daily service between Halifax and Glasgow, Scotland, with same-aircraft service beginning in Toronto. The inaugural flight on WestJet’s #TartanTail leaves Toronto Pearson tonight at 6:10 p.m. EDT (1810) with a brief stop at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, before departing for Glasgow at 10:45 p.m. ADT.

“Today’s launch of service to the U.K. marks the start of another exciting chapter in the history of WestJet,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “As Canada’s low-fare leader for nearly 20 years, we have dedicated ourselves to liberating Canadians from the high cost of air travel. With our service to Ireland and the U.K., we are making it more affordable than ever before to travel overseas, whether for business or leisure. As we prepare to take delivery of our first Boeing 767-300ER aircraft in July, this overseas experience continues to position us to be a truly global carrier in the years to come.”

Copyright Photo below: Joe G. Walker/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8CT C-FUMF (msn 60128) at Boeing Field was handed over on January 29, 2015.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

WestJet reports record first quarter net earnings of C$140.7 million

WestJet (Calgary) today announced its first quarter results for 2015, with record net earnings of $140.7 million (all amounts in Canadian dollars), or $1.09 per diluted share. This compares with the net earnings of $89.3 million, or $0.69 per diluted share reported in the first quarter of 2014, up 57.6 per cent and 58.0 per cent, respectively. WestJet achieved an on-time performance rate of 78.0 per cent in the first quarter, a year-over-year improvement of 10.1 percentage points. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 15.8 per cent, compared with the 14.3 per cent reported in the previous quarter.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8CT C-GJWS (msn 34152) approaches the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.

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WestJet today launches two new routes from Calgary

WestJet (Calgary) today (May 3) launched new, nonstop daily service between Calgary and Terrace, British Columbia, and between Calgary and Yellowknife, NT.

Flights between Calgary and Terrace will be operated by WestJet Encore’s fleet of Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, while flights between Calgary and Yellowknife will be operated by WestJet’s fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737s.

WestJet today also launched new, daily nonstop service between Toronto (Pearson) and Gander, Newfoundland, on board WestJet’s Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

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WestJet to increase Vancouver-Toronto capacity by more than 10% this summer

WestJet (Calgary) has announced even more nonstop flights between Vancouver and Toronto as Canadians prepare for the busy summer travel season.

WestJet will add nearly two dozen more flights between May 3 and October 24, increasing overall capacity between Vancouver and Toronto by more than 10 percent. The schedule features up to 10 daily flights in the spring, 11 during the peak travel months of July and August, and nine in the fall.

WestJet also offers up to 12 daily nonstop flights between Calgary and Toronto, nine from Edmonton to Toronto and six from Winnipeg to Toronto.

Copyright Photo: Chris Sands/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8CT C-GWSZ (msn 37092) in the special Magic Plane scheme of Walt Disney World departs from Calgary.

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WestJet and Philippine Airlines to code share

WestJet (Calgary) has announced it has entered into a code-share agreement with Philippine Airlines (Philippines) (PAL) (Manila), allowing the carrier to begin marketing and selling WestJet-operated flights. The two carriers are building on an existing interline agreement that has been in place since May 2013.

Code-share designations will be available on select WestJet flights from Vancouver and Toronto, and all code-share sales are offered directly through Philippine Airlines or through their global distribution network.

This announcement marks 13 code-share agreements for WestJet. Since 2011, WestJet has initiated code-shares with American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, QANTAS Airways and China Air. Additionally, WestJet has 27 interline relationships, further connecting passengers worldwide to WestJet’s network.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Westjet’s Boeing 737-8CT C-GAWS (msn 38880) with Aviation Partners Boeing Split Scimitar Winglets and special #100 Boeing 737 NG markings arrives in Los Angeles.

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WestJet denies flight 254 from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta was hijacked

WestJet (Calgary) has issued this statement:

WestJet can confirm that a rumor that WestJet flight 2154 from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, was hijacked on January 10 is completely false.

The rumor stemmed from a tweet by a flight-tracking website that the aircraft operating the flight was transmitting a hijack code via its transponders. However, at this point in time, WestJet has no evidence that such a code was ever transmitted. Both the flight crew and local air traffic control confirm that no such code was ever sent or received, and testing on the aircraft’s transponder shows it is (and was) functionally normally. WestJet cannot speak to rumour, speculation or comments that suggest otherwise.

The aircraft arrived in Puerto Vallarta as scheduled and is now operating its scheduled flight back to Canada. WestJet would like to thank everyone for their concern for our guests and crew during this incident.

Copyright Photo: Chris Sands/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8CT C-GKWJ (msn 34151) with Aviation Partners Boeing Split Scimitar Winglets arrives back at the Calgary home.

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WestJet’s pilots approve the new four-year contract

WestJet (Calgary) announced today (December 21) its pilots have voted in favor of a new agreement. Included in the new contract are enhancements to pay and scheduling that, according to the company, “place WestJet’s 1,250 pilots among the highest paid in the Canadian industry while preserving industry-leading productivity.”

The previous agreement expired on April 30, 2013, and the new agreement will expire on April 30, 2019.

Copyright Photo: Chris Sands/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8CT C-GZWS (msn 32770) is pictured in action at the Calgary home base.

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