WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s celebration tour concludes with third inauguration of dedicated freighter in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, BC, April 25, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group today celebrated the third inauguration of its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters in Vancouver alongside integral partners and key stakeholders. The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting, signifying the launch of WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighter service in one of the carriers five hubs, that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s Vancouver celebration is the last of three inaugural events, that took place across Canada.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this long-awaited milestone in Vancouver, a core hub for WestJet Cargo that will connect our freighter service to the Pacific coast,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “Our Vancouver hub is essential to connecting WestJet Cargo to Asia’s robust trade lines to Canada, enabling us to seamlessly execute the distribution of incoming valuable cargo products to their final destinations across Canada.”

“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate and welcome this highly anticipated moment in Vancouver. This joint venture with WestJet Cargo will without a doubt, strengthen our position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies.” The capacity of these four dedicated freighters will bring customers new competitive options by providing more air freight capacity to cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are thrilled to see these freighters take flight as we strive to provide exceptional service to all of our customers and their business needs.”

From left: Shaena Furlong, President and CEO, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests and Minister responsible for the Consular Corps, Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo, Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, the WestJet Group, Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies and Andy Margolis, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer, Vancouver Airport Authority (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will begin operating between its designated hubs in Calgary, Halifax, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Integrating into the WestJet Group’s existing network, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will work in tandem with the cargo carrying bellies of WestJet’s fleet, creating global connectivity and opening trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.

“Our incredibly talented team at WestJet Cargo is eager to disrupt Canada’s air cargo market, by bringing competitive cost advantages, increased choice, reliable on-time performance and exemplary customer service, to Canada’s underserved air cargo market. Today’s celebration signifies a green light to do just that, as we strive to meet the needs of Canada’s expanding cargo market,” continued de Bruijn.

In addition to the broad range of commodities already carried by WestJet Cargo such as perishables, ecommerce and live animals, the dedicated freighters have enabled a broad expansion of the carrier’s service offerings, including the capacity to carry oversized items and unitized ecommerce containers.

“It is an honour to celebrate this accomplishment amongst key partners and stakeholders, each of whom played an integral role in making today happen. The take-off of our dedicated freighters is a significant moment for Canada and the communities we serve, as we strengthen our ability to expand upon the essential products we carry across and beyond the country,” continued de Bruijn.

Additional quotes

“BC’s economic strength is the skilled workers and inspiring companies connecting the province to expanding prosperity.  I’m excited to see the new opportunities that will be unlocked by WestJest Cargo and what it will mean for people and businesses across the province,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests and Minister responsible for the Consular Corps. “Getting B.C. made and grown goods to market continues to be foundational to our success and the quality of life in our province. This service will contribute to the success of delivering B.C. quality made products to the world.”

“YVR is proud to welcome WestJet to our airport’s cargo community, celebrating this important milestone as one of our valued long-term partners,” said Andy Margolis, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer, Vancouver Airport Authority. “We have a shared duty to meet the growing needs of our community and the economy that supports it. This new freighter service from WestJet will facilitate the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of goods as well as enhance the connection of cargo to and from our region.”

“Air cargo is a truly essential link in Canada’s supply chain. Here in Richmond, over 500 freight, logistics and cargo companies are directly involved in helping Canadian products reach the global market and bringing needed products to Canada. This link is critical for everyone from our British Columbian fishers, and farmers, to our engineers in advanced manufacturing. Today’s inaugural flight of WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighters will further strengthen our supply chain, and help ensure WestJet’s safe, reliable air shipping is there for the customers and businesses who need it,” said Shaena Furlong, President and CEO, Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

About WestJet Cargo
A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. Providing safe, reliable air-shipping for customers and businesses, WestJet Cargo utilizes the expansive network of WestJet’s wide and narrow-bodied aircraft and its newly introduced fleet of four dedicated Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet the diverse needs of its cargo customers. For more information on WestJet Cargo please visit: https://www.westjetcargo.com/en-ca

About WestJet 

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group celebration tour continues with second inauguration of dedicated freighter in Halifax

HALIFAX, NS, April 21, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group today celebrated the inauguration of the second of three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters in Halifax alongside integral partners and key stakeholders. The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting, signifying the launch of WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighter service in one of the carriers six hubs, that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s Halifax celebration is the second of three inaugural events, taking place across Canada.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this long-awaited milestone in Halifax, a core hub for WestJet Cargo that will connect our freighter service to Atlantic trade lines,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “Our Halifax hub unlocks unlimited potential to facilitate the distribution of a diverse variety of cargo products, including fresh seafood across Canada and enables WestJet Cargo to meet the large demand for freighter service across the east coast.”

“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate and welcome this highly anticipated moment in Halifax. This joint venture with WestJet Cargo will without a doubt, strengthen our position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies.” The capacity of these four dedicated freighters will bring customers new competitive options by providing more air freight capacity to cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are thrilled to see these freighters take flight as we strive to provide exceptional service to all of our customers and their business needs.”

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will begin operating between its designated hubs in Calgary, Halifax, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Integrating into the WestJet Group’s existing network, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will work in tandem with the cargo carrying bellies of WestJet’s fleet, creating global connectivity and opening trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.

“Our incredibly talented team at WestJet Cargo is eager to disrupt Canada’s air cargo market, by bringing competitive cost advantages, increased choice, reliable on-time performance and exemplary customer service, to Canada’s underserved air cargo market. Today’s celebration signifies a green light to do just that, as we strive to meet the needs of Canada’s expanding cargo market,” continued de Bruijn.

In addition to the broad range of commodities already carried by WestJet Cargo such as perishables, ecommerce and live animals, the dedicated freighters have enabled a broad expansion of the carrier’s service offerings, including the capacity to carry oversized items and unitized ecommerce containers.

“It is an honour to celebrate this accomplishment amongst key partners and stakeholders, each of whom played an integral role in making today happen. The take-off of our dedicated freighters is a significant moment for Canada and the communities we serve, as we strengthen our ability to expand upon the essential products we carry across and beyond the country,” continued de Bruijn.

Additional quotes

“The addition of this cargo freighter service by WestJet opens one more avenue for our businesses to reach new customers. That means more opportunities to showcase our quality products, new investment to continue to drive the innovation we need to grow our economy and secure our future, and jobs in communities across Nova Scotia,” Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development

“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet Cargo to Halifax Stanfield, strengthening our position as Atlantic Canada’s air cargo hub,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “Air cargo export activities provide significant economic value to Nova Scotia and the entire Atlantic Region, and the introduction of WestJet Cargo’s services in our market will provide more options for shipping popular Nova Scotia products, including live lobsters, to destinations across Canada and around the world.”  

About WestJet Cargo
A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. Providing safe, reliable air-shipping for customers and businesses, WestJet Cargo utilizes the expansive network of WestJet’s wide and narrow-bodied aircraft and its newly introduced fleet of four dedicated Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet the diverse needs of its cargo customers. For more information on WestJet Cargo please visit: https://www.westjetcargo.com/en-ca

About WestJet 
In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group celebrate inauguration of dedicated freighter in Toronto

TORONTO, April 20, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group today celebrated the inauguration of the first of three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters in Toronto alongside integral business partners and key stakeholders. The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting at WestJet’s Toronto hangar, signifying the launch of WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighter service that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s Toronto celebration is the first of three inaugural events, taking place across Canada, with events in Halifax and Vancouver, to follow, respectively.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this long-awaited milestone in Toronto, a core hub for WestJet Cargo and home of the GTA Group,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “As Canada’s largest global hub, Toronto is a vital destination for our dedicated freighter operation that will enable WestJet Cargo to plug into a vast network of cargo entering the country and allow us to seamlessly execute the distribution of this cargo to its final destination across Canada.”

“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate and welcome this highly anticipated moment in Toronto. This joint venture with WestJet Cargo will without a doubt, strengthen our position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies.” The capacity of the four dedicated freighters, will bring customers new competitive options by providing more air freight capacity to cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are thrilled to see these freighters take flight as we strive to provide exceptional service to all of our customers and their business needs.”

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will now begin operating between its designated hubs in Halifax, Calgary, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Integrating into the WestJet Group’s existing network, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will work in tandem with the cargo carrying bellies of WestJet’s fleet, creating global connectivity and opening trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.

“Our incredibly talented team at WestJet Cargo is eager to disrupt Canada’s underserved air cargo market, by bringing competitive cost advantages, increased choice, reliable on-time performance and exemplary customer service. Today’s celebration signifies a green light to do just that, as we strive to meet the needs of Canada’s expanding cargo market,” continued de Bruijn.

In addition to the broad range of commodities already carried by WestJet Cargo such as perishables, ecommerce and live animals, the dedicated freighters have enabled a broad expansion of the carrier’s service offerings, including the capacity to carry oversized items and unitized ecommerce containers.

“It is an honour to celebrate this accomplishment amongst our key partners and stakeholders, each of whom played an important role in making today happen. The take-off of our dedicated freighters is a significant moment for Canada and the communities we serve, as we strengthen our ability to expand upon the essential products we carry across and beyond the country,” concluded de Bruijn.

Additional quotes

“As a proud Canadian leader in the industry, WestJet has always been on the cutting edge of transportation innovation,” said Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “The new Cargo Freighters will help suppliers get their resources, businesses get their goods, and stimulate our economy by improving our efficiency to produce right here in Ontario.”

“We are pleased to welcome WestJet to our cargo services at Toronto Pearson. Fast and efficient transportation of goods is crucial to businesses today, and we’re proud of Pearson Airport’s important role in driving our economy forward,” said Janik Reigate, Director, Strategic Customer Relationships, GTAA. “We are excited to work with WestJet to meet the needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America who require prompt and reliable delivery of their cargo.”

“WestJet is as important a player as the City of Mississauga is in the transportation and shipping industry. Today, we celebrate the success of WestJet at the same time that Mississauga and the region surrounding Toronto Pearson have many successes to applaud. We, at the Mississauga Board of Trade, are happy to be a facilitator in connecting important players in business no matter the industry,” Trevor McPherson, President and CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade.

About WestJet Cargo

A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. Providing safe, reliable air-shipping for customers and businesses, WestJet Cargo utilizes the expansive network of WestJet’s wide and narrow-bodied aircraft and its newly introduced fleet of four dedicated Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet the diverse needs of its cargo customers. For more information on WestJet Cargo please visit: https://www.westjetcargo.com/en-ca

About WestJet

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

WestJet Group statement regarding ALPA strike authorization vote

ALGARY, AB, April 18, 2023 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today issued the following statement regarding the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) announcement of the results of the strike authorization vote to WestJet pilots.

“A strike authorization vote is a common step by unions in context of the overall labour negotiation process and does not mean a strike will occur,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer. “We remain unwaveringly committed to achieving an agreement that is competitive within Canada’s airline industry and ensures we have a long-term sustainable future so that we can continue to operate critical air service for millions of Canadians, while providing jobs for thousands at the WestJet Group.”

About WestJet

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.  

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

WestJet adds new flights from Detroit

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WestJet CEO asks feds to allow compensation cost sharing after flight delays

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WestJet provides state of the airline address, update on progress against growth plan

Progress across key elements of strategic direction: becoming Western Canada’s home team carrier, growing in the East with a focus on leisure travel, and providing affordable airfares as a stronger, more resilient low-cost carrier

CALGARY, AB, April 12, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today provided a comprehensive update on the progress it is making against its new strategic direction, which was introduced in June 2022 and is focused on building a strong, resilient low-cost airline that has a clear runway for growth. WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech provided the update as part of a State of the Airline address to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“We are now seeing the benefits of our new strategy coming to life across Canada; it is ambitious, laser-focused on our strengths and brings back more of what Canadians love about WestJet,” said von Hoensbroech. “At WestJet, our proposition is to ‘love where you are going.’ This plan focuses on just that – where we are going as an airline, as an employer, and as a connector of people, businesses and communities across Canada. It will strengthen our airline, ensure our long-term profitability and set us apart from our competitors.”

Key progress against WestJet’s growth plan

In his remarks, von Hoensbroech summarized WestJet’s progress against its growth plan in three key areas: (1) returning WestJet to its roots as Western Canada’s home carrier, (2) growing its leisure and sun destination offering across all of Canada and connecting Canadians with domestic service from coast-to-coast and (3) providing affordable airfares as a low-cost carrier (LCC).

Advancements in these areas, since the plan was first introduced in 2022, include:

Returning to roots as Western Canada’s home carrier

• In partnership with the Government of Alberta, committing significant capacity growth into Calgary to double its offering to more than 20 million annual seats before the end of the decade, including basing all intercontinental Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying in Calgary.
• Significant double-digit capacity growth across most major and mid-sized airports across Western Canada.
• Introducing 20 new routes and three new destinations between Western Canada and the United States, including new non-stop service to Washington, Detroit and Minneapolis, with new routes added to Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Nashville and Seattle.

In advancing its growth plan, WestJet has been working closely with communities and regions across the West to prioritize the flights they need to build their economies.

Expanding sun and leisure flying across Canada and focused growth in Eastern Canada

• Expanding direct flights with a 13 per cent increase in total capacity between Eastern and Western Canada, including new or resumed nonstop routes from:
  • Edmonton to London, Moncton, Charlottetown, Ottawa and Montreal;  
  • Calgary to Thunder Bay, Quebec City and Moncton;
  • Vancouver to Halifax, and resumed flights to Montreal; and
  • Comox to Toronto;
• Securing all required regulatory approvals for WestJet’s proposed acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations and advancing towards the close of the transaction.

In his address, von Hoensbroech noted, “I want to be clear on this point, we will be growing in the East. Our growth in the East will focus on point-to-point travel to Western Canada, and all elements of leisure travel. WestJet’s position as Eastern Canada’s leisure airline will be further strengthened once the acquisition of Sunwing is concluded.”

Providing affordable airfares as a stronger, more Resilient low-cost carrier

• Ensuring the Boeing 737 remains the backbone of the WestJet fleet, with the largest order book for new Boeing aircraft of any airline in Canada.
• Maintaining one of North America’s youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets; including the future addition of the 737-10, which has one of the lowest costs per seat among mid-range aircraft and lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
• Advancing WestJet’s traditional cost advantage over its main competitors

“We are returning to being the friendly, reliable and affordable airline Canadians love. With this plan, we are focusing on what made WestJet successful when then airline was first introduced to Canada – operating as a stronger, more resilient low-cost carrier delivering a modern experience to our guests at an affordable price,” said von Hoensbroech.

Introduction of an Operational Excellence program

The airline has also introduced an Operational Excellence program that will re-design the experience across all touchpoints of a potential disruption throughout the travel journey, with a focus on digital enhancements, IT infrastructure management and operational resilience.  

Key elements of the Operational Excellence program include:

• Improving guest facing capabilities, timely and accurate communications and expanded self-serve tools during disruptions.
• Investing in back-end system development to ensure WestJet employees have the information and tools to keep the company’s operations moving.
• Creating greater schedule resilience that will isolate disruptions and allow for faster recovery during operational challenges of all types.

Additional and ongoing updates on WestJet’s progress against this critical growth strategy are available at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are/our-strategy.

About WestJet 

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

WestJet Cargo receives approval on behalf of Transport Canada certifying its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters

Approval signals bright future for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group as dedicated freighters prepare for takeoff with first departure set for April 22, 2023

CALGARY, AB, March 20, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet Cargo today announced that it has received Transport Canada’s approval and official certification of its four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Following certification, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will expeditiously implement three freighters into service, as dedicated aircraft that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. The fourth of WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion.

“Today is a long-awaited milestone for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group, that will now enable us to disrupt the air cargo industry in Canada by providing our customers with more choice, competitive prices and the exemplary customer service synonymous with the WestJet brand, but unique to the air cargo industry,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “We thank Transport Canada for its dedication to certifying these aircraft, which will serve to better support Canada’s national transportation supply chain through increased competition and capacity within Canada’s air cargo market.”

Seamlessly integrating into WestJet Cargo’s existing operations and operated by WestJet’s highly skilled 737 pilots, the dedicated freighters will initially focus service within North America, serving Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami. Leveraging its quick to load and fly narrow body aircraft, the 737-800 equipped with CFM56-7B engines will enable WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for its customers, beginning April 22, 2023.

WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighter routes will further connect to the bellies of WestJet’s fleet, serving to accommodate the diverse needs of cargo customers in leveraging the airline’s expansive network.

“Today’s announcement was made possible by our incredibly talented team of cargo experts and the GTA Group, our valued partner, who have worked diligently towards this achievement that brings WestJet Cargo one step closer to fulfilling our mission to bring competitive cost advantages and reliable on-time performance to Canada’s underserved cargo landscape,” continued de Bruijn.

“Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate this highly anticipated moment that will bring our partnership with WestJet Cargo to new heights,” said Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of the GTA Group of Companies. “Through the capacity of these four dedicated freighters, we are now in an excellent position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market.”

WestJet Cargo freighter bookings will be made available on April 1, 2023. To learn more about how WestJet Cargo’s team, network and flight plans can fulfill a diverse array of shipping needs, visit WestJet Cargo.  

About WestJet Cargo

A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. Providing safe, reliable air-shipping for customers and businesses, WestJet Cargo utilizes the expansive network of WestJet’s wide and narrow-bodied aircraft and its newly introduced fleet of four dedicated Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet the diverse needs of its cargo customers. For more information on WestJet Cargo please visit: https://www.westjetcargo.com

About WestJet

In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

WestJet ALPA Pilots Announce Strike Authorization Vote During Informational Picket at Airline Headquarters

CALGARY, AB—Today, hundreds of WestJet pilots gathered in unity at WestJet Airlines headquarters for an informational picket and to announce the opening of a strike authorization vote on Monday, April 3, with results being announced on April 18. Over the past six months, pilots have grown increasingly impatient with WestJet management, who has failed to seriously engage in contract negotiations.

“Without an industry-standard contract, many WestJet pilots are choosing to leave for better opportunities, leaving a dwindling number of pilots choosing to work here,” said Capt. Bernard Lewall, chair of WestJet’s ALPA pilot group. “Those of us here today are fighting for the change that will make our airline a career destination for pilots once again.”

Currently, negotiations are being conducted through the federal conciliation process, which will end April 24. Without a negotiation extension, a statutory 21-day cooling-off period will begin. If an agreement is not reached prior to the Victoria Day long weekend, both parties would be released to self-help, such as a strike or lockout, that could extend into the summer months. A strike vote among the pilot group is a mandatory step in the process of being released. 

“Flight disruptions are never an ideal outcome for any pilot or our passengers. Our goal is to reach an agreement that provides job security and career progression for our pilots and stability to the airline,” continued Lewall. “We will remain available 24/7 and expect to continue negotiating during the remainder of the voting process, conciliation, and the 21-day cooling-off period.”

The labour challenges faced by WestJet pilots, including recruitment and retention issues, are largely due to the airline’s attempts to reduce costs by driving down pilot wages and refusing to address concerns over scheduling and poor working conditions.

“Unfortunately, we do not believe in management’s ability to bargain in good faith,” said Lewall. “After half a year of negotiating, management still fails to have a realistic understanding of today’s labour market, consistent with collective agreements other ALPA-represented pilot groups are signing with their employers.”

ALPA will keep the public informed of any developments toward reaching a contract up until any possible strike deadline. For updated information, visit westjetpilots.com.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 67,000 pilots at 39 airlines in the United States and Canada, including the approximately 1,600 WestJet pilots. Learn more about the WestJet pilots’ journey for their contract at westjetpilots.com or follow the MEC on Twitter @WestJetALPA and Facebook @WestJetPilots.

WestJet pilots set to launch strike authorization vote as negotiations fizzle

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