MD2

This is very true. In spite of public declarations for creating Swoop as its "fighter brand" against ULCCs, it is quite ironic that in the last two pilot contract negotiations, WestJet has readily sacrificed Swoop and its pilots to gain favors with its pilots and avert a strike, last time to cede common employer status, and this time to close it altogether. And you are also quite correct that it is equally hypocritical and not in keeping with "good karma" on the part of its pilots to argue for DOH with bump/flush with Swoop pilots, and against it with Sunwing pilots. This is quite unfortunate as people, especially pilots in this market, are the greatest asset (not airplanes!) an airline needs to grow and prosper. As often is the case and in keeping with "closing one door and opening another", the industry is expanding and there are opportunities available and many airlines including Porter are hiring, and they would be happy to benefit from the experience that is being sacrificed at WestJet.

Perhaps, certainly the recent leaderships do. At the same time, WestJet was founded on the principle of employee, especially pilots', significant ownership and partnership in the product and as well benefits in creative ways that were uncommon at the time in Canada, in the form of company equity, both as options and matched purchase, that formed a substantial amount of the renumeration. To be fair, its founders were visionaries that created a unique culture and product that caught on well. In essence by being hired there, especially pilots, as major components of this infrastructure signed on and bought into this culture and entered into a covenant of sort, that in return for their contribution and trust in the leadership, they were rewarded well. However, gradually this culture became diluted, especially from around 15 years ago, individuals more invested in a "traditional" way of union vs. management, us against them, mentality entered the airline during the phase of its rapid growth. This combined with the departure of some of the early executives and founders eroded the culture and mutual trust. And the rest is history.

They too will be assimilated!? ALPA expectations, its combativeness and its conduct greatly resemble Canada 3000. Let's hope they will have a better fate! Much of the turmoil, capitulations, and identity crisis at WestJet is created by a combative pilot group that simply doesn't trust management. In the face of continued resistance, the company cannot execute its plans, which stagnates its growth, which further retards pilot upgrades, inflaming the pilots even more, creating a vicious cycle that feeds itself. With Swoop, its fighter brand, gone, WestJet is not only vulnerable to ULCCs such as Flair, Lynx and Jetlines, but also Porter entering the West, and will force it to surrender more market share. I cannot help but wonder how its founders feel about these new developments!

There seems to be a focus on "we're not happy until you're not happy" as opposed to improving the lives of all members, and more importantly improving the profession. It's not a coincidence that usually first articles for ALPA usually revolve around AFR (association flight release) and dues!

Good news for WestJet and its people. Are any of these replacements for the existing tails or all new additions?

I would support the political party that brings legislation whereby if proven in court, politicians who mismanage the country due to their political agenda or incompetence, can be personally held accountable and liable. Otherwise, they just avail themselves to vast government resources to delay and prevent due process and justice.

https://biv.com/article/2021/07/lawsuit-week-shareholder-takes-aim-airlines-expansion-plan “A shareholder in Flair Airlines Ltd. is taking the low-cost carrier to court, claiming it’s wrongfully withholding key information about a significant expansion of the company’s fleet of aircraft announced in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prescott Strategic Investments LP by its general partner Prescott Strategic Investments Ltd. filed a petition in BC Supreme Court on June 18, naming Flair and Florida-based 777 Partners LLC, a “significant creditor” of the aviation firm, as respondents. Prescott, run by Canadian aviation industry veterans Jim Scott and Jerry Presley, claims in the court filing that the dispute was spurred by Flair’s management deciding to “aggressively expand its operations during a global pandemic” by signing leases on 13 new Boeing 737-8 airplanes with a subsidiary controlled by 777 Partners, also a Flair shareholder.” The details are ordered sealed, but it was also revealed at the time that Flair owed 777 about 140 millions at 18% interest…

Oh make no mistakes, the opposition to Flair’s advantage is from all Canadian carriers, especially Air Canada, the biggest member. And the CTA has already made the preliminary ruling. A little research reveals that Flair seems to have had a falling out with its (only?) Canadian investor who is suing it now, and as a result it has delved deeper into its relationship with 777. It basically is the only major stakeholder in the company, at the moment provides most of its aircraft, and clearly controls it. Flair is asking for 18 months hoping to find a replacing investor. Jetlines searched for many years. They may never come! The argument may be coming from its competitors, but it doesn’t make it less true. Flair’s own actions and statements seem to indicate that it has knowingly been in breach of foreign ownership and controls laws.

This part in the Globe article about sums it up: ”….Other than its deliberate violation of the law, there is simply nothing unique about Flair,” WestJet said. “If Flair’s licence were suspended or cancelled, other Canadian airlines – that respect the legislative requirements for holding domestic licences – will fill the gap and provide comparable competition, local service and jobs.”

One would think, at some point. Why wouldn’t they, as a way of “unlocking” the value of their investment.

If I were ferrying my company’s first airplane into the country, I’d know there’d be historical pictures to be taken and I’d want to be in my Sunday’s best!

CTA has launched a formal probe into Flair’s foreign ownership and control. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-federal-regulator-launches-formal-probe-into-flair-airlines-compliance/ Level of investment and control between Lynx Air and Indigo, as well Jetlines and SmartLynx would be interesting.

Private shares. Which will be converted to common shares at the next IPO.

Sunwing’s seasonality will cease as it will use Canadian registered aircraft in the winter and the summer EU flying will stop since it was based on reciprocity. Considering Sunwing’s winter fleet is around 45, I will look for language in their next contract to expand Swoop well beyond 30, considering it will have 16 this summer. It won’t be surprising to see language for WD as well. it is a smart move that they have included Sunwing’s loan will be paid in full upon completion, more incentive for cash strapped feds to expedite the process. it seems a good match.

Porter would have bought the C series aircraft when it was still fully Canadian and showcased its urban capabilities years ago had it not been for the unilateral decision of liberals to end a transparent and democratic process that was underway. That would have likely made a substantial difference for the program and sustained it as a Canadian enterprise. In this new environment, it makes more economical sense to go with the E series, especially since they will not be flying from city airport. If a new federal government is supportive of the original Porter plans, they may be resurrected.