This week, Canadian carrier WestJet, has provided an update on the progress it is making on its growth plan.
This article will cover the details surrounding WestJet’s latest update and where their growth plan currently stands.
WestJet’s Growth Plan Update
Back in June 2022, WestJet revealed their extensive growth plan to the Canadian market, showing a focus on three key areas –
- Returning WestJet back as Western Canada’s home airline.
- Growing its leisure and sun destination offering.
- Providing low-cost carrier (LCC) airfares.
This update will delve into where WestJet currently stands against these three key areas as part of their extensive growth plan.
Firstly, with returning the carrier back to its roots as Western Canada’s home airline, they have so far become partners with the Government of Alberta, committing to significant growth out of Calgary, they have doubled their capacity across most major and mid-sized airports in Western Canada and have introduced 20 new routes, with three new destinations to the U.S., namely Washington, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
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Secondly, regarding their expansion of leisure and sun destinations, WestJet has increased its capacity by 13% between Eastern and Western Canada, and have acquired all regulatory approvals needed for the acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations. They have also commened these new non-stop services –
- Edmonton to London, Moncton, Charlottetown, Montreal, and Ottawa.
- Calgary to Moncton, Thunder Bay, and Quebec City.
- Vancouver to Montreal and Halifax.
- Comox to Toronto.
Finally, with regards to their LCC airfare promise, WestJet will continue to operate the Boeing 737 fleet as its backbone, including the latest generation Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. They will also advance their traditional cost advantage over their competitors.
Executive Comments
Commenting on their latest update, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech has said, “We are now seeing the benefits of our new strategy coming to life across Canada; it is ambitious, laser-focused on our strengths and brings back more of what Canadians love about WestJet.”
“At WestJet, our proposition is to ‘love where you are going.’ This plan focuses on just that – where we are going as an airline, as an employer, and as a connector of people, businesses and communities across Canada. It will strengthen our airline, ensure our long-term profitability and set us apart from our competitors.”
“I want to be clear on this point, we will be growing in the East. Our growth in the East will focus on point-to-point travel to Western Canada, and all elements of leisure travel. WestJet’s position as Eastern Canada’s leisure airline will be further strengthened once the acquisition of Sunwing is concluded.”
“We are returning to being the friendly, reliable and affordable airline Canadians love. With this plan, we are focusing on what made WestJet successful when then airline was first introduced to Canada – operating as a stronger, more resilient low-cost carrier delivering a modern experience to our guests at an affordable price.”
