EDMONTON, AB, March 3, 2023 /CNW/ – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying an investigator to Kelowna, British Columbia, to investigate an inflight engine fire that resulted in the diversion of a WestJet Encore De Havilland DHC-8-402 aircraft on 02 March 2023. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
CALGARY, AB, Dec. 19, 2022 /CNW/ – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today announced that it has signed a De Havilland Component Solutions Program (“DCS Program”) agreement with WestJet Encore Ltd. Under the agreement, De Havilland Canada will manage component maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the airline’s fleet of Dash 8-400 aircraft and provide access to De Havilland Canada’s strategically located exchange pool.
“The DCS Program offers the cost predictability that is so important in airline management, and we also look forward to benefitting from access to De Havilland Canada’s expertise in warranty administration, planning and supplier management to enhance the operations of our Dash 8-400 aircraft,” said Lisa Davis, Vice-President and General Manager, WestJet Encore.
“With the addition of WestJet to the DCS Program, our support to the fleet of Dash 8-400 aircraft in North America is significantly increased and includes the two largest operators on the continent,” said Leighton Storsley, Vice President, Aftermarket and Business Development, De Havilland Canada. “We thank WestJet for affording us this opportunity to manage this aspect of the airline’s component MRO services.”
About the De Havilland Component Solutions (DCS) Program
The DCS program supports the operation of Dash 8-400 aircraft by ensuring cost-effective repair solutions and global accessibility to over a thousand different aircraft components positioned at strategically located distribution centers and at some customers’ operating hubs. The program, which is designed to meet the growing demand for customized repair solutions, accommodates each customer’s requirements and environment. With its low carbon footprint, low operating costs, industry-leading passenger experience and jet-like performance, the Dash 8-400 aircraft, which seats up to 90 passengers, is the environmentally responsible choice for operators seeking optimal performance on regional routes. More than 200 Dash 8-400 aircraft are enrolled or under contract with the DCS program.
About the WestJet Group of Companies
In 26 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 www.westjet.com.
About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world’s harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance and coastal surveillance. In February 2022, De Havilland Canada became the operating brand for the companies that previously operated as Longview Aviation, Viking Air Ltd, Pacific Sky Training and De Havilland Canada. https://dehavilland.com
De Havilland Canada, Dash 8-400, DCS and De Havilland Component Solutions are trademarks of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – November 21, 2022 – The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) continues to expand its footprint in Canada as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) of WestJet are seeking union representation. Earlier this year, AMFA was first certified in Canada as the bargaining agent for L3 Harris MAS, and has now been requested to organize and represent the AMEs of WestJet, who are currently not unionized.
“We look forward to filing an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on behalf of the 640 WestJet AMEs in Canada,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President. “We feel this is a unique privilege and opportunity in representing AMEs at WestJet as this is the last major workgroup at WestJet Airlines to unionize.
WestJet Group — consisting of WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Cargo, and Swoop Airlines — headquartered at Calgary International Airport, Calgary Alberta, is the second largest Canadian Airline behind Air Canada. Operating a mixed Boeing and Bombardier fleet with nearly 800 flights and 66,000 guests per day, WestJet aircraft are maintained by over 600 AMEs with main bases in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Halifax, with various other line stations from coast to coast. WestJet began operations as a low-cost airline in 1996 and has grown extensively to provide scheduled and charter air service to more than 100 destinations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
“WestJet AMEs feel their trade deserves distinction and respect. They seek focused bargaining and consistent application of fair work rules in efforts to address and restore the deteriorated culture of their workplace” said Oestreich. “The carrier needs to recognize the relevance of these highly skilled professionals to the success of their operation, as well as to securing public trust. In the interest of public safety, AMFA strives for the highest standards in aircraft maintenance across North America.”
About AMFA
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technicians and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled folks it represents. For more information about AMFA visit http://www.amfanational.org.
WestJet Encore to provide four-times weekly service between Calgary and northwestern B.C.
CALGARY, Oct. 19, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced that it will add four-times weekly service between Terrace, B.C., and Calgary, beginning December 1, 2022.
Creating a gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities, WestJet Encore’s service to Terrace, will provide a convenient connection to WestJet’s home and largest global hub in Calgary where the airline will operate more than 800 flights per week, to more than 65 destinations around the world, in December.
“We are thrilled to provide increased capacity to support Terrace and Western B.C.’s critical projects and expanding industries,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer. “The West is our home and as we turn to an exciting new chapter of growth, we are committed to providing vital domestic connections that support the economic diversification and success of Western Canada.”
The route will operate four times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, on WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft.
“Welcoming back WestJet’s direct service to Calgary is eagerly welcomed by all of Terrace,” said Carol Leclerc, Mayor of the City of Terrace. “Following the pandemic, the Terrace-Kitimat Airport numbers have been growing and air traffic is busy. Terrace is a key service centre for Northwest B.C. and it’s integral for our residents, businesses and industry to have access to critical services such as air travel.”
Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Terrace:
Route
Frequency
Start date
Calgary – Terrace
4x weekly
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Terrace – Calgary
4x weekly
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Additional quotes: “We’re excited to see our partner enhance access to the Northern British Columbia area with the return of this non-stop service,” Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. “The addition of WestJet Encore’s Calgary to Terrace route supports economic development that will benefit both British Columbians and Albertans. It will also provide Terrace and surrounding area residents with the opportunity to access more than 75 destinations within Canada and across the globe through WestJet’s global hub at YYC.”
“The Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat welcome’s the additional service offered by WestJet,” said Carman Hendry, Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, Airport General Manager. “This will enhance our airport’s ability to serve our region with a first-class schedule that connects Northern British Columbia to the world. “
About WestJet In 26 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 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Winter service to Charlottetown, Fredericton, Sydney and Quebec City to be suspended as of November 15, 2022
As WestJet begins to strategically transition flying in Eastern Canada to focus on sun and leisure destinations as well as enhanced connections to Western Canada, the airline has announced the suspension of winter service to four communities in Eastern and Atlantic Canada. Effective November 15, 2022, service will be suspended to, Fredericton, N.B., Sydney, N.S., Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Quebec City, QC. Service between now and November 15, 2022, will NOT be affected.
Any guests with impacted travel will be notified beginning on July 18, 2022, either directly or through their travel agent. WestJet will strive to rebook guests with alternative travel arrangements, or guests will be eligible for a refund to original form of payment. More details are available here: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/contact/alternate-travel-arrangements.
“We understand this is disappointing news and we apologize for any disruption this will cause our guests and communities,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “We are undertaking these strategic changes in a responsible manner and it was critical to give our guests and the communities as much advance notice as possible.”
WestJet recently announced how a growing, stronger, sustainable WestJet will benefit Canadians, following a strategic review to determine the best course for the airline’s sustained future success. This August, WestJet will release the airline’s full winter 2022/2023 schedule that will see significant sun and leisure flying investments for Eastern Canada along with capacity enhancements nationwide.
“As a national airline, we will continue to engage with these communities and stakeholders as we look to enhance service to Eastern and Atlantic Canada through direct connections to Western Canada, sun and leisure destinations,” continued Weatherill. “By making these difficult decisions now, it will ensure we can offer more of what our guests expect from WestJet and solidify our airline as the most reliable and affordable airline for many years to come.”
EDMONTON, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, May 31st, is International Flight Attendants Day, a day to recognize the spirit and the efforts of flight attendants around the world.
“We’d like to take this day to recognize all of our members for their efforts and dedication through the pandemic. The pandemic brought unique challenges for flight attendants including increased loneliness and isolation on layovers, and immense difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities with limited flexibility and non-existent childcare options”
The last couple of years have been particularly challenging for flight attendants. Many have worked through the pandemic, bringing Canadians home and keeping essential travel operating. As things return to normal and travel resumes, flight attendants have welcomed Canadian families and business travellers back to the sky, while ensuring safety protocols and procedures remain in place.
“We’d like to take this day to recognize all of our members for their efforts and dedication through the pandemic. The pandemic brought unique challenges for flight attendants including increased loneliness and isolation on layovers, and immense difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities with limited flexibility and non-existent childcare options,” said CUPE Local 4070 President Crystal Hill.
CUPE represents about 4,000 flight attendants and cabin crew members at Westjet, Encore and Swoop airlines. Though many were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, all Local 4070 have since been able to return to the sky.
“We’re so glad our members have been able to return to work safely. However, the new normal has been overwhelming and has brought its own set of issues that affect our members every day. Today is a day to reflect and salute the resiliency of all Local 4070 members at WestJet, WestJet Encore, Swoop, and our Airline Division colleagues.”
To mark the day, CUPE Local 4070 will be recognizing the efforts of flight attendants with gift baskets generously donated by Van Houtte, Bigelow Tea, Master Chocolate, Step Up Comfort, Pocket of Flowers, Rita’s Kitchen, Royal Ontario Museum, Steven Sarasin, Beaded Beginnings, Infinite Alchemy, Siesta Massage Therapy, Tilted Veil, and Prismatic Ash Soap Co.
Airline to restore international non-stop routes from Toronto to Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Gatwick
Summer schedule to feature 92 daily departures to 20 domestic destinations, 10 transborder and 20 international destinations from Toronto
CALGARY, AB, March 14, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced its 2022 summer schedule, featuring new non-stop service between Toronto and Chicago and more convenient options from Toronto to Europe with service to Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Gatwick. The airline’s summer schedule release marks a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery, through the restoration of its network to near pre-pandemic levels.
New daily transborder service between Toronto and Chicago
As confidence in business and leisure travel continues to rise, WestJet’s newest route is to the Windy City, which will operate daily from Toronto with service beginning May 19, 2022, on WestJet Encore.
“We are thrilled to provide daily non-stop service between Toronto and Chicago, two dynamic global cities,” said John Weatherill, WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Our newest transborder route provides guests with increased options to discover these two vibrant cities or seamlessly connect to their chosen destination via our expansive network.”
Route
Frequency
Start date
Toronto – Chicago
1x daily
May 19, 2022
Chicago – Toronto
1x daily
May 19, 2022
Enhancing Toronto’s European connectivity
This summer, WestJet is restoring transatlantic connectivity across the country and adding more convenient and affordable non-stop options from Toronto to five European destinations: Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Gatwick.
“Our guests have long awaited a return to international travel,” continued Weatherill. “These routes create a significant visitor pipeline from Europe and demonstrate WestJet’s commitment to leading the travel and tourism industry’s recovery.”
Route
Peak Frequency
Start date
Toronto – Barcelona
3x weekly
May 13, 2022
Toronto – Dublin
1x daily
May 15, 2022
Toronto – Glasgow
4x weekly
May 20, 2022
Toronto – Edinburgh
3x weekly
June 2, 2022
Toronto – London Gatwick
Daily
May 1, 2022
Increasing to 9x weekly
June 11, 2022
To discover all the direct flights across WestJet’s network, visit WestJet.com.
About the WestJet Group of Companies In 26 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 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com.
Recent recognition includes: – 2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty) – 2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) – 2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) – 2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Court of Appeal has dismissed WestJet’s efforts to overturn the certification of a class-action lawsuit on baggage fees.
The Calgary-based airline is alleged to have between September 2014 and March 2019 published two prices for checked bags, one that was free and then charged passengers another that was higher.
WestJet ultimately amended wording in its domestic tariff to remove that one checked bag will be free.
The class action based in contract law, unjust enrichment, and a double-ticketing offence under the federal Competition Act was certified in January 2021.
WestJet Airlines Ltd. and WestJet Encore Ltd. challenged certification relating to the claim under the Competition Act, not certification of the class in general.
In a ruling released Friday, Justice Robert Bauman wrote that the plaintiffs’ efforts are not “bound to fail” because the meaning behind the alleged offence has not been “substantially developed.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 24, 2022.
Pathway for safe and fully-vaccinated international air travel must be preserved
CALGARY, AB, Dec. 15, 2021 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today is expressing its strong opposition to the travel advisory issued by the Government of Canada. The targeted advice outlined today is not based on science and data and significantly undermines aviation’s proven safety record in response to COVID-19. These measures are a setback in Canada’s progress and its successful transition from relying on blanket advisories and policies.
“Air travel is the most tested and protected consumer activity in Canada, every person travelling internationally is tested on average twice throughout their travel journey,” said Harry Taylor, WestJet President and CEO. “As the only fully-vaccinated air travel sector in the world, WestJet is calling on the government to publicly share the travel related COVID-19 data that has been used to re-impose the advisory and advice targeted towards fully-vaccinated Canadians and the travel and tourism industry.”
International travel standards and policies should be harmonized, yet Canada’s travel measures remain firmly out of step with border policies enacted across the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. The advisory announced today, contradicts WHO’s guidance that states blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread of COVID-19 and adversely affect lives and livelihoods. The Government of Canada should continue to focus on vaccinations and testing, as the pathway for safe and fully-vaccinated international air travel must be preserved.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, we have safely flown more than seven million guests and air travel has been commended for its commitment to safety. Fully-vaccinated Canadians should not be singled-out for choosing to take part in a safe activity,” continued Taylor. “Travel bans, restrictions and blanket advisories are devastating to the continued economic recovery of our country and place tens of thousands of recently recalled Canadian travel and tourism jobs at risk. We are very concerned today’s announcement will create unnecessary disruption and chaos in advance of the holiday travel season.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, The WestJet Group has responded to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all. The airline has implemented its own measures in response to the pandemic including a zero-tolerance mask policy, enhancing health and safety measures, suspending sun flights and implementing the airline’s mandatory vaccination policy for employees and air travellers.
About WestJet
In 25 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 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
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