Sunwing Airlines pilots, backed by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), recently staged a demonstration at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).
The group have urged WestJet Airlines to rethink its decision to shut down the YQB base. The pilots warn that this move could deal a serious blow to the local economy and cultural fabric of the Québec City region.
Background of YQB Base Closure
The controversy stems from a major business deal in 2022, when the WestJet Group revealed plans to acquire Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations.
That acquisition wrapped up in May 2023. Soon after, WestJet unveiled operational shifts tied to the merger, including closing the YQB base and relocating its pilots to Montreal.
While the closure is set for spring 2025—no exact date has been confirmed—the decision has sparked growing concern.
Captain Mark Taylor, who leads the Sunwing ALPA Master Executive Council, didn’t mince his words. “WestJet bought Sunwing to grow its reach in eastern Canada and boost vacation options from regional hubs,” he said.
“Shutting down or moving the YQB base goes against that plan. It contradicts the company’s own promises. WestJet needs to wake up to the economic fallout this could trigger across Québec City.”
Importance of YQB Base
The pilot’s collective contends that YQB base represents a lifeline for the region. It pumps money into the local economy, keeps businesses thriving, and fuels Québec’s broader growth.
Beyond dollars and cents, there’s a cultural angle. As a Canadian airline operating in Québec, WestJet risks tarnishing its reputation, especially with the province’s Francophone population, if it pulls out of Québec City.
Taylor emphasized the practical side too. “Keeping the base open ensures a steady service level as Sunwing blends into WestJet,” he explained.
“Local crews can tackle mechanical hiccups, sick calls, or staffing gaps faster. That’s a win for the airline and its customers.” Without a nearby base, delays could pile up, frustrating passengers and hurting WestJet’s bottom line.
A Community on Edge
For now, the closure’s timeline remains vague, with WestJet only saying it’ll happen sometime in spring 2025. That uncertainty has left pilots and locals anxious.
The YQB base employs dozens of crew members and supports countless indirect jobs—think airport staff, hospitality workers, and small businesses that rely on steady air traffic. Losing it could ripple outward, hitting Québec City’s tourism and travel sectors hard.
WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing was pitched as a growth move, not a retreat. The airline aimed to strengthen its foothold in eastern Canada, a region ripe with demand for affordable vacation flights.
Québec City, with its rich history and proximity to popular destinations, seemed like a natural hub. So why close it?
WestJet hasn’t fully explained its reasoning, leaving room for speculation. Some wonder if cost-cutting is the real driver, especially as the airline juggles post-merger expenses.
Looking Ahead
The pilots’ protest at YQB signals they won’t go quietly. ALPA is pushing WestJet to reconsider, arguing the closure undermines both the company’s strategy and the community’s well-being.
As spring 2025 nears, all eyes will be on WestJet. Will it stick to its plan or bow to pressure? For Québec City, the answer could shape its economic future, and WestJet’s standing in the province.
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