On April 20, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group celebrated the inauguration of the first of three Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighter (BCF).
Commemorated by a ribbon cutting at WestJet’s hangar in Toronto, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group signified the launch of both parts’ dedicated freighter service set to fulfil the needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America.
WestJet: A time for celebration
Earlier this month saw WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group poised to enter the regional air cargo market, after receiving approval from Transport Canada, certifying the carrier’s Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighter aircraft.
On April 20, WetJet Cargo and the GTA Group celebrated the inauguration of their first dedicated Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft in WestJet’s facilities in Toronto. The celebration is the first of three inaugural events taking place across Canada, with events in Halifax and Vancouver to follow, respectively.
On the inauguration celebration, Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, of Cargo, said the following:
“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.”
Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies, also stated the following:
“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,”
“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,” he concluded.
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Operations to follow
WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will as a result of this now begin flying between the designated cities and hubs of Halifax, Calgary, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver.
WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group’s dedicated freighters will now work in tandem with the cargo-carrying bellies of WestJet’s general fleet, further creating global connectivity and opening multiple trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, the United States, Japan and Europe, as the operations integrate into the existing network of the WestJet group.
Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, of Cargo, further added the following:
“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,”
“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,” she concluded.
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