Tag Archives: WestJet

WestJet and IAM reach tentative agreement, Encore pilots reject the tentative agreement

WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-GWJO (msn 33969) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963185.

WestJet and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the certified union representing WestJet load controllers, reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.

WestJet Encore Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-FENY (msn 4447) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963186.

Above Copyright Photo: WestJet Encore Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-FENY (msn 4447) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963186.

In other news, the company issued this statement on the Encore ratification results:

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet Encore pilots, has announced that its membership did not ratify the tentative agreement, reached on April 8, 2024. The results of the ratification do not impact operations.

“We are disappointed to learn that our WestJet Encore pilots have rejected an agreement that is distinctly competitive within Canada’s airline industry and solutioned their unique concerns,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “Our tentative agreement represented a robust negotiation process that got us to our final offer, and while we will meet with ALPA to determine next steps, we will hold firm on what is reasonable to ensure we can continue providing meaningful employment and affordable air travel to Canadians.”

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-GWJO (msn 33969) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963185.

WestJet Encore aircraft photo gallery:

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WestJet Group outlines its strategy for Halifax

WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.

WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, today addressed key stakeholders and community members with a fulsome update on the airline’s growth strategy and vision for Atlantic Canada at a special event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Commemorating his first visit to Nova Scotia, von Hoensbroech spoke about the WestJet Group’s commitment to growing its presence across the region through critical air connectivity. With increased leisure opportunities, achieved through the resumption of transatlantic service and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter, along with enhanced east-to-west domestic air service better connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, the WestJet Group’s strategy is coming to fruition across Atlantic Canada.

“It is incredible to be visiting Halifax for the first time, meeting with our remarkable partners and getting to experience the tremendous Atlantic Canadahospitality firsthand,” said von Hoensbroech. “We set out our growth strategy almost two years ago, and we are seeing it well in action across Atlantic Canada; our commitment to Halifax is strong as we work to meet demand and fuel Halifax’s tourism pipeline.”

Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group’s milestone achievements in Halifax and current and upcoming network investments serving to enhance the city’s air connectivity, while bolstering the region’s visitor economy:

From left: Julie Shaw, Master Distiller, JD Shore, Jeff Chant, JD Shore, CEO, Halifax Distilling Company, Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority, Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, CEO and Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

Propelling Halifax forward through partner collaboration and strategic investments

Taking the airline’s growth strategy to new heights in 2024 and beyond, the WestJet Group has accelerated on the following cornerstone achievements:

  • On April 28, 2024, the WestJet Group celebrated the takeoff of its inaugural service between Halifax and London Gatwick, the first of three critical transatlantic routes that will return to Nova Scotia’s capital this summer, bridging essential connections to global hubs, tourism and business economies.
  • This summer, Halifax will see a 31 per cent increase in seat capacity provided by the WestJet Group, compared to 2023.
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport will have 90 weekly flights operated by the WestJet Group during peak summer this year; a 43 per cent increase in total weekly flights compared to 2023.
This map reflects WestJet Group capacity comprising WestJet and Sunwing Airlines service. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

Connecting Halifax to the world and the world to Halifax

From enhanced domestic service, seamlessly connecting the region to Western Canada, to providing highly sought after leisure connections, WestJet continues to transform Halifax’s air connectivity through the following network enhancements:

  • Fulfilling longstanding requests to expand Halifax’s connectivity to popular leisure destinations, the WestJet Group has answered the call with non-stop service between Halifax and three transatlantic destinations including, Dublin, Edinburgh and London (Gatwick) this summer, as well as year-round connectivity to Orlando and seasonal service to Cancun. Additionally, as an integral part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing Airlines will provide direct access from Halifax to key leisure destinations, including Cayo Coco, Montego Bay, Santa Clara, Puerto Plata and Holguin, Punta Cana and Varadero.
  • WestJet will ensure Halifax remains connected to Western Canada, with year-round connectivity to the airline’s global hub in Calgary, where guests are one flight away from an expansive list of international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan.
  • This year, the WestJet Group will provide direct connectivity to 18 unique destinations out of Halifax, including six domestic, one transborder, three transatlantic and eight sun destinations.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

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WestJet issues 72-hour lockout notification to its Tech Ops union, AMFA

WestJet today has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. As a result of today’s lockout notice, a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. MT, unless a deal is reached.

“The decision to issue a lockout notice was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret and apologize for the uncertainty this causes for our guests and the communities and regions that rely on us. Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airline and Group Chief Operating Officer. “With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can’t allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue. We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution.”

The WestJet Group has been in active labour negotiations with AMFA since September 2023. The WestJet Group has presented an offer to AMFA that would make WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in Canada, with a cumulative wage increase of over 20 per cent across the span of the collective agreement. The offer would also deliver industry leading work-life balance standards and strong commitments to job security.

“We sincerely value the work and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and our proposed agreement reflects this. We are unwaveringly committed to reaching an agreement to prevent travel disruption, however, we are equally prepared to protect the travel plans of our guests and to provide long-term stability and security for all employees at the WestJet Group,” concluded Pen.

Issuing a 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption will occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible, including:

  • Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
  • Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
  • Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.

WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech outlines strategic plan in St. John’s, restores season route to London Gatwick

WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, concluded his inaugural visit to Atlantic Canada in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where he was joined by key stakeholders and community members to discuss the Group’s expanding presence across the region.

Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group’s renewed commitment to the region, as exhibited by network enhancements unfolding across the province’s key airports this summer, including; increased east-to-west domestic air service seamlessly connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, and enhanced leisure service, accomplished through the resumption of seasonal transatlantic service to London (Gatwick) and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter.

Photo: St. John’s International Airport

In his remarks, von Hoensbroech provided a comprehensive overview of the WestJet Group’s ongoing investments in Newfoundland and Labrador, demonstrating confidence in the airline’s future presence in supporting the region:

Transatlantic flights reconnecting Newfoundland and Labrador to the world

Elevating its growth strategy, the WestJet Group has reached significant milestones, bolstering the province’s network in 2024:

  • May 1, 2024, the WestJet Group restarted the highly anticipated service between St. John’s and London (Gatwick), providing the community with non-stop service to one of Europe’s most popular global travel hubs, filling the largest air access gap for the province.
  • This summer, St. John’s will gain a 35 per cent increase in seat capacity, as a result of the WestJet Group’s investments, compared to 2023.
  • The WestJet Group will operate 36 weekly flights out of St. John’s International Airport, during peak summer this year, a 20 per cent increase in total weekly flights, compared to 2023.
  • The WestJet Group will return service to Deer Lake this spring, with new non-stop seasonal service to Calgary on May 18, 2024 and the restart of service to Toronto on May 16, 2024.

The WestJet Group fulfills promise to satisfy demand through network schedule

The WestJet Group continues to elevate the province’s air connectivity by delivering the following network enhancements:

  • In alignment with the airline’s strategy, the WestJet Group is providing St. John’s with convenient access to popular leisure destinations, including year-round connectivity to Orlando, Florida and extended seasonal service to Tampa, Florida.
  • Ensuring St. John’s remains well-connected to Western Canada, the WestJet Group will provide St. John’s with year-round connectivity to WestJet’s global hub in Calgary, where guests are one flight away from an expansive list of international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan.
  • This year, the WestJet Group will provide direct connectivity to twelve unique destinations out of St. John’s, including four domestic destinations, two transborder destinations, five popular sun destinations, along with a transatlantic connection to London.
  • As an integral part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing will provide non-stop access to five key sun destinations, including Montego Bay, Cancun, Cayo Coco, Matanzas and Punta Cana from three critical communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, including, St. John’s, Deer Lake and Gander in 2024. 

Routes from St. John’s:

This map represent The WestJet’s Group’s capacity comprising of WestJet and Sunwing Airlines service. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

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WestJet takes off for Atlanta from Edmonton in connection with Delta

WestJet on April 29 celebrated the takeoff of connectivity between Atlanta and Edmonton, following the departure of flight WS1902 at 00:45 MDT. The launch of the airline’s exclusive service marked a critical milestone in growing Edmonton’s direct transborder travel options to one of the world’s largest global hubs.

RouteFrequencyStart DateDepartureArrival
Edmonton-AtlantaDailyApril 2912:45 a.m.7:06 a.m.
Atlanta-EdmontonDailyApril 299:05 a.m.11:50 a.m.
blue sky and white clouds

More seamless options for trade and tourism with access to Atlanta, Delta’s largest hub

The United States represents Alberta’s most important bilateral trade partner and the largest inbound tourism market for the province. Through WestJet’s longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Atlanta will gain access to a vast network of U.S. destinations on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits any time they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming in their preferred program.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet opens up a new route to MSP from Regina

WestJet yesterday opened up a new WestJet Encore route linking Regina with Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Swoop aircraft now wearing “Proudly operated by WestJet” stickers

Swoop – WestJet Boeing 737-8CT SSWL C-GYSD (msn 40837) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 962874.

Swoop aircraft are now getting temporary “Proudly operated by WestJet” stickers prior to repainting.

Swoop ended operations on October 28, 2023. All Swoop flights are now operated as WestJet flights.

Top Copyright Photo: Swoop – WestJet Boeing 737-8CT SSWL C-GYSD (msn 40837) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 962874.

Swoop aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet propels Winnipeg’s growth forward with new year-round, daily service to Montreal and Ottawa, adds Fredericton

WestJet on April 8 celebrated the latest additions to its Winnipeg network, featuring new year-round, daily service to Montreal, as well as increased, daily, year-round service to Ottawa, beginning June 3, 2024. WestJet also announced new highly anticipated seasonal service between Winnipeg and Nashville, set to take off on September 16, 2024, establishing the airline’s seventh direct transborder connection out of Manitoba’s capital city.

WestJet propels Winnipeg’s growth forward with new year-round, daily service to Montreal and Ottawa (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

WestJet’s ongoing commitment to significantly enhancing Winnipeg’s growing network of air connectivity, central to the airline’s ambitious growth strategy, was on display today at a special event hosted at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, attended by the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba and Nick Hays, President and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority.

Providing choice and convenience for Winnipeg’s thriving business community

“We know how critical Ottawa and Montreal are for Winnipeg’s business community, and we are thrilled to continue supporting Winnipeg’s economic growth through strategic air service,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “Expanding connectivity for Winnipeg is in direct response to our WestJet Rewards members and loyal business guests’ need for reliable and convenient, non-stop service to and from both Ottawa and Montreal.”

RouteFrequencyStart DateDeparture 
(local)
Arrival 
(local)
Winnipeg – OttawaDailyJune 317:1520:50
Ottawa – WinnipegDailyJune 321:3523:26
Winnipeg – MontrealDailyJune 39:3513:20
Montreal – WinnipegDailyJune 314:2016:30

“There’s something exciting happening in Winnipeg and in Manitoba right now. People across the country are recognizing the opportunities we have here – from our incredible low-carbon economy, to our arts, culture, music and sports,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “The addition of these routes is a part of that – making it easier to drive economic growth and attract visitors to our beautiful province.”

Connecting Winnipeg and Music City 

Further enhancing WestJet’s position as Canada’s leading leisure airline, WestJet will become the only airline providing direct connectivity between Winnipegand Nashville this fall.  

RouteFrequencyStart DateEnd DateDepartureArrival
Winnipeg – Nashville2x weeklySeptember 
16
November 
15
11:1014:20
Nashville – Winnipeg2x weeklySeptember 
16
November 
15
7:4010:25

“Strong air connectivity unlocks a world of opportunities for all those who live and work in Manitoba, allowing them to embark on bold journeys while growing their roots at home,” said Nick Hays, Winnipeg Airports Authority President & CEO. “We’re greatly appreciative of WestJet’s unwavering commitment to our community. Their continued growth at YWG and eagerness to work with us to launch new routes not only underscore the strength of our longstanding partnership but also exemplify our shared dedication to enhancing the region’s economic and social wellbeing.”

WestJet’s 2024 schedule provides expansive coverage across Canada and increased access to popular leisure destinations across North America

With the addition of Montreal and Nashville, WestJet will connect Winnipeg to over 23 non-stop destinations this year. Guests travelling from Winnipeg will also be one stop away from accessing WestJet’s growing list of global destinations, including Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo’sNarita International Airport through WestJet’s global hub in Calgary.

RoutePeak travel FrequencyStart Date
Domestic
Winnipeg – CalgaryDailyIn service
Winnipeg – EdmontonDailyIn service
Winnipeg – HalifaxDailyMay 3
Winnipeg – Kelowna2x weeklyJune 24
Winnipeg – Montreal*DailyJune 3
Winnipeg – Ottawa+DailyIn service 
(transitioning to daily 
service on June 3)
Winnipeg – Regina 5x weeklyIn service
Winnipeg – SaskatoonDailyIn service
Winnipeg – Thunder BayDailyIn service
Winnipeg – Toronto DailyIn service
Winnipeg – Vancouver DailyIn service
Winnipeg – Victoria 2x weeklyJune 25
Transborder
Winnipeg – Atlanta 5x weeklyIn service
Winnipeg – Las Vegas3x weeklyIn service
Winnipeg – Los Angeles3x weeklyIn service
Winnipeg – Nashville*2x weeklySeptember 16
Winnipeg – Orlando 4x weeklySeasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Palm Springs4x weeklySeasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Phoenix3x weeklySeasonal winter route
Latin-Caribbean
Winnipeg – Cancun5x weeklySeasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Huatulco1x weeklySeasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Puerto Vallarta6x weeklySeasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Montego Bay2x weeklySeasonal winter route
*New route, + Increased frequency

In other news, WestJet’s summer schedule now includes Fredericton, New Brunswick!

Starting June 20, WestJet will provide direct service between the Celestial City and its global hub in Calgary

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

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WestJet statement on Lynx Air

WestJet is aware that Lynx Air has initiated CCAA proceedings and the resulting news that Lynx intends to cease operations at 12:01 a.m. MT on Monday, February 26, 2024. 

We recognize the immediate impact this information has on passengers and employees of Lynx, and we are committed to assisting where we can through a number of actions:

  • New Bookings: 25% discount, by using discount code WESTJET, on all economy cabin fares on non-stop WestJet routes prviously served by Lynx, for travel between February 22, 2024 and October 26, 2024, booking to be made up until February 29, 2024.
  • Canadian repatriation for transborder and sun: Fares are capped at $250 plus taxes and fees on all northbound economy cabin fares, on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until February 29, 2024, booking to be made before February 29, 2024*.
  • All domestic fares on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until February 29, 2024, will not exceed $500 plus taxes and fees*.

All bookings should be made online through westjet.com. WestJet has managed pricing to ensure fares reflect a reduction from what would typically be charged. 

We are communicating closely with government officials and supporting agencies that are also working to address the needs of those impacted.

*All capped fares will be reflective on westjet.com on Friday, February 23, 2024

WestJet Routes with Lynx Air Service

Domestic

Edmonton – Toronto (YEG-YYZ) 

Hamilton – Calgary (YHM-YYC) 

Halifax – Toronto (YHZ-YYZ) 

Ottawa – Calgary (YOW-YYC) 

Quebec City – Calgary (YQB-YYC) 

Regina – Vancouver (YQR-YVR) 

Regina – Toronto (YQR-YYZ) 

Montreal – Vancouver (YUL-YVR) 

Montreal – Calgary (YUL-YYC) 

Vancouver – Winnipeg (YVR-YWG) 

Vancouver – Calgary (YVR-YYC) 

Vancouver – Toronto (YVR-YYZ) 

Winnipeg – Calgary (YWG-YYC) 

Winnipeg – Toronto (YWG-YYZ) 

Calgary – Toronto (YYC-YYZ) 

Charlottetown – Toronto (YYG-YYZ) 

St. John’s – Toronto (YYT-YYZ) 

Transborder

Las Vegas – Calgary (LAS-YYC) 

Los Angeles – Calgary (LAX-YYC) 

Los Angeles – Toronto (LAX-YYZ) 

Orlando – Vancouver (MCO-YVR) 

Orlando – Calgary (MCO-YYC) 

Orlando – Toronto (MCO-YYZ) 

Phoenix – Calgary (PHX-YYC) 

Fort Meyers – Toronto (RSW-YYZ) 

Tampa – Toronto (TPA-YYZ) 

Latin/Caribbean 

Cancun – Toronto (CUN-YYZ) 

Westjet aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet to introduce 10 new routes this summer

WestJet has announced a significant increase in coast-to-coast travel options for Canadians with the initial release of its summer 2024 schedule. The airline is set to introduce 10 new routes and return or extend 16 routes that will continue to connect Canadians as part of its robust growth strategy. Publication of WestJet’s full summer schedule will be completed over the coming week.

Connecting Canadians Across the Country

In addition to the continued expansion of WestJet’s network with 15 new routes to and from Western Canada, this summer Eastern Canada will benefit from 11 new routes including: 

  • New direct seasonal service between Calgary and Deer Lake, Nfld.
  • The return of seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and Deer Lake, Nfld., Moncton, N.B., Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Victoria, B.C.
  • Return of transatlantic flying between Halifax and Dublin, Edinburgh and London, and St. John’s and London(Gatwick)
  • 44 per cent growth in Halifax, N.S. and 60 per cent growth in St. John’s, Nfld. compared to Summer 2023

Leading in Leisure

As Canada’s top choice for leisure travel, the WestJet Group will offer more capacity than any other airline for Canadians looking to fly to popular sun destinations this summer. Highlights include:

  • 57 per cent growth in Latin and Caribbean routes over summer 2023
  • 56 per cent increase in capacity from Toronto to sun destinations
  • More flights between Hawaii and Canada than any other airline, and the only airline providing year-round service between Canada and Maui-Kahului, from both Calgary and Vancouver

Transborder Growth and Expanded Access to Delta hubs

Providing increased opportunities for two-way travel between Canada and the United States, WestJet will grow transborder seat capacity by 26 per cent this summer, including 70 per cent growth to Delta hubs.

Highlights of the transborder schedule include:

Through WestJet’s longstanding codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests can access more than 100 U.S. destinations when connecting through the U.S. airline’s hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Los Angelesand Seattle.

WestJet guests can reach Delta’s expansive U.S. network on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits anytime they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming WestJet dollars across the entire itinerary.

Summary of New Markets

New RoutesReturning RoutesSummer Extensions
Edmonton-AtlantaHalifax-DublinCalgary-Honolulu
Edmonton-NashvilleHalifax-London (LGW)Calgary-Maui
Edmonton-San FranciscoHalifax-OrlandoCalgary-Punta Cana
Vancouver-DetroitSt. John’s-OrlandoCalgary-Varadero
Halifax-EdinburghToronto-DublinVancouver-Phoenix
St. John’s-London (LGW)Toronto-EdinburghEdmonton-Phoenix
Regina-MinneapolisToronto-ProvidencialesEdmonton-Orlando
Calgary-SeoulToronto-Puerto Plata
Calgary-ReykjavikToronto-Moncton
Calgary-Deer Lake

WestJet aircraft photo gallery: