WestJet has announced it will extend its temporary suspension of international sun flights to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean until June 4, 2021.

Photo: Adrian Edwards.

“We are extending our suspension with the clear expectation that as more Canadians are vaccinated, government policy will transition,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “We continue to advocate for the replacement of mandatory hotel quarantines with a testing regime that is equitable and consistent with global standards at all points of entry into our country. Alongside an accelerated and successful vaccine rollout, this policy transition will support the safe restart of travel and help stimulate the Canadian economy, where one in ten jobs are tourism related.”

Guests with affected itineraries will be proactively notified of the cancellations. Since November 1, 2020, WestJet has been providing refunds for all travelers, regardless of fare class booked where WestJet initiated the cancellation.

“We remain focused on a long-term solution that will serve the best interests of Canadians,” continued Sims. “A safe travel-restart framework is the most effective way to support those interests and restore jobs.”

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 945667.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

WestJet on March 3 became the only airline connecting Calgarians nonstop to Atlanta, GA., when its inaugural flight between Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) departed at 9:55 a.m. local time.

Atlanta (below) is the 65th destination WestJet serves nonstop from Calgary.  WestJet already serves more destinations with more nonstop flights from Calgary than any other airline.

WestJet, via its codeshare partner Delta, offers access to an extensive list of U.S. destinations including the southeastern United States and Gulf Coast and cities such as Memphis, TN, Charleston, SC, New Orleans, LA, Savannah, GA., Pensacola and Panama City, FL.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Atlanta:

WestJet and Delta Air Lines have signed a definitive agreement to create a comprehensive transborder joint venture arrangement that will offer travellers an expanded network within Canada and the U.S., frequent flyer benefit reciprocity, lounge access and joint corporate discounts. The proposed joint venture agreement is subject to regulatory approvals in the United States and Canada.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 945667.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

WestJet today announced its second quarter results for 2018, with a net loss of $20.8 million, or $0.18 per fully diluted share. This result compares with net earnings of $48.6 million, or $0.41 per fully diluted share reported in the second quarter of 2017. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 7.7 per cent, down from 9.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2017. Year-to-date, WestJet recorded net earnings of $16.4 million, or $0.14 per fully diluted share.

“The impact of the threat of industrial action, in combination with the dramatic increase in fuel price and competitive capacity provided particularly significant challenges in the second quarter.” Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “While we are disappointed with these results, all WestJetters can take great satisfaction from the successful delivery of key strategic initiatives like Swoop and WestJet Link.”

Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars)

Dividend declaration
On July 30, 2018, 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 2018, to be paid on September 28, 2018, to shareholders of record on September 12, 2018. 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.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by WestJet): WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 942710.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

Photo of the Day: The first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 for WestJet has been painted by Boeing in the new 2018 livery.

Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 942407.

WestJet aircraft slide show: