This week, WestJet Group has named their new President, who will help spear the carrier with future operational reliability.
This article will cover the details surrounding WestJet Group naming its newest President and what this means for the Canadian operator.
WestJet’s President
Effective April 1, 2024, Diederik Pen will become the new President of WestJet Airlines.
Pen will maintain his role as group Chief Operating Officer (COO) whilst carrying out his new President role, still reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Pen first joined the WestJet Group back in 2021 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Since then, Pen has assisted with helping the group recover in the wake of the pandemic.
With responsibilities consisting of, airline operations, inflight, airports, technical operations, labour relations, safety, crew resources and training.
Now as President, Pen will be responsible for the airline’s successful labour negotiations and its operational reliability. Also, becoming the Transport Canada Accountable Executive for the Canadian group.
Senior Comments
Commenting on Pen’s appointment as President, Alexis von Hoensbroech, says, “Diederik’s experience as a respected leader, with a track record of operational success, will be critical as we continue our growth strategy, including the integration of Sunwing Airlines.”
“With the largest narrow-body aircraft order book in Canada, it is critical we optimize safe and reliable performance for our business, as we deliver more affordable options and better connectivity to Canadians.”
Pen has also commented on his new role, saying, “Across the past three years, WestJetters have demonstrated their relentless commitment to the travel needs of Canadians and the performance of our airline. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside such a dedicated, innovative and passionate team.”
“As we lean into the momentum of a financially and operationally strong 2023 and focus on the WestJet Group’s future growth, it has never been more important that we continue to work together to increase our reliability and performance.”
Recent WestJet News…
WestJet has been quite active in the news space recently, where within the past few weeks, they have released this.
The airline continues to work on emissions cuts, with 2023 being 11% less than 2019 emissions levels. Read our article here.
Additionally, the Canadian carrier has resumed its Toronto to Dublin, Ireland service with daily operations. This is being operated using using its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Read our article here.
The WestJet Encore pilot group has received a significant boost in their ongoing contract negotiations. The group has gained a $1 million grant from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Read our article here.
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