WestJet Cargo 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 induct three freighter aircraft into service in the North America region.
The fourth of the carrier’s dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion. Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo remarked:
“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.”
“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.”
Cargo freighter deployment
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.
This will see the aircraft 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.
The cargo operator’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 us 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
A dedicated division of the WestJet Group of Companies, WestJet Cargo provides air cargo services to businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers.
The cargo operation 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.
About WestJet
WestJet is a Canadian airline that was founded in 1996. It operates scheduled and charter flights to over 100 destinations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The airline’s headquarters is located in Calgary, Alberta, and it operates out of several hubs, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
In recent years, the airline has expanded its operations to include a regional subsidiary, WestJet Encore, and a long-haul, low-cost carrier, Swoop.
