LONDON – WestJet Cargo has announced a long-term partnership between the GTA Group and WestJet Cargo. This will help both companies to expand and increase domestic cargo possibilities. The main reason for the partnership is to boost shipping capacity using four Boeing 737-800NG freighters to provide overnight express cargo service out of Toronto operated by WestJet.
WestJet is a Canadian airline with it ́s hubs at Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. Their fleet has 122 aircraft in total, including 116 of the 737-familly and 6 Boeing 787s. These jets came to WestJet from 2019 and should replace the old Boeing 767s. WestJet furthermore owns the subsidiary airlines of WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop. They operate aircraft from Bombardier (De Havilland DHC-8-400) and Saab (Saab 340) for domestic short haul services inside of Canada. Swoop only operates nine Boeing 737-800s.
Westjet is the 2nd largest airline in Canada behind Air Canada. The airline features more than 100 destinations, 25.5m passengers in 2018 and 4500 employees in 2020.
Fleet convenience
WestJet’s 737-800NG narrow body aircraft are well suited to transporting overnight express freight, offering enhanced flexibility and frequency. They are quick to fill and fly and are among the greatest fuel economy in the cargo category. In addition to specialised freighters, WestJet Cargo will utilise the belly of its commercial aircraft. This will serve as an an alternative delivery method to complement the GTA Group’s operation.
Charles Duncan, Executive Vice-President and President, Swoop said: “This partnership is building on proven success between WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group. WestJet Cargo will bring customers new competitive options, and together with GTA we will disrupt the industry, providing more air freight capacity to domestic cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are eager to see these freighters take flight as we plan ahead to best serve Canadians and their business needs.”
Mario D’Urso, chairman, GTA Group of Companies said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our organisation. We are thrilled to partner with WestJet and confident that, together, we will offer the Canadian market a new alternative shipping option to meet the demands of this rapidly growing, expanding, and demanding market.”
Located in Toronto, Ontario, the GTA Group of Enterprises has been providing aviation related services since 2001. This includes ground service equipment maintenance, leasing, and sales. Additionally, ground and cargo handling, e-commerce, and cargo sales.
