More than 10 per cent of WestJet’s fleet continues to undergo inspection and repairs. The damage arose from a the storm system that impacted the airline’s global hub on August 5, 2024. WestJet continues to issue proactive cancellations across August to account for reduced capacity
Following the severe hailstorm that struck Calgary on August 5, WestJet has announced that it will continue to proactively cancel flights for the foreseeable future.
The airline is grappling with the aftermath of the storm. This caused significant damage to 16 aircraft, representing over 10% of its fleet.
Fleet Restoration: Several Weeks
A thorough assessment of the damage has revealed that repairing and inspecting the aircraft will be a lengthy process. It will require specialized equipment and materials. As a result, WestJet anticipates that restoring its full fleet to service will take several weeks.
“We understand the frustration caused by these ongoing disruptions and apologize for the inconvenience this is causing our passengers,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to address the situation, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our guests.”
August 5th Hailstorm in Calgary
The hailstorm that hit Calgary on August 5, 2024, was a significant event that caused widespread damage.
Here’s a summary of what we know:
- Severe Impact: The storm brought golf ball-sized hail that battered the city, resulting in substantial damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure.
- Aviation Industry Hit Hard: The hailstorm had a particularly devastating impact on the aviation industry, with WestJet and Flair Airlines reporting significant damage to their fleets.
- Economic Implications: The storm is expected to have a considerable economic impact on the city due to the extensive property damage and business disruptions.
- Ongoing Assessment: Teams are still assessing the full extent of the damage and working to recover and repair affected areas.
To minimize disruptions and provide passengers with ample time to adjust their travel plans, WestJet is currently cancelling an average of 50 flights daily.
However, the airline expects this number to decrease as aircraft are gradually repaired and returned to service.
Conclusion
Industry experts predict a short-term increase in airfares may come into effect due to reduced flight capacity.
In the meantime, WestJet continues to support affected passengers by offering rebooking options whenever possible. The carrier has continued to communicate ongoing flight status updates as the fleet repairs continue.
In a statement on 14 August, the airline said that it is experiencing high call volumes and encourages passengers to utilize online channels for updates and assistance.
As the airline works to restore its operations, passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and allow extra time for travel during this period.
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