WestJet and Swoop News

[Maverick]

21 hours ago, conehead said:

There is a picture floating around somewhere of the 737 winglet laying on the ground. Can you MEL that for dispatch?

 

The early 737 NG's that had the winglets added can be MEL'd. This is not one of those aircraft.

[conehead]

Found a pic of the winglet.

[Airband]

WestJet to 'revisit' policy after Poilievre speaks on flight's PA system

Union demands apology from airline after Conservative leader addressed passengers

Wed Sep 13, 2023 - CBC News

 The union representing WestJet cabin crew is demanding an apology from the airline after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre spoke on the public address system of a recent flight.

A video circulating online shows Poilievre making short remarks on a Sunday night flight that was leaving Quebec City for Calgary after the Conservative Party of Canada's convention.

Poilievre's campaign-style speech lasts for about 45 seconds and is met with laughter and cheers from passengers.

CUPE Alberta's local president Alia Hussain said it's very disappointing that the airline allowed a politician to use the PA system.

In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Hussain said the cabin crew had no input in the decision to allow Poilievre to speak and that the airline's rules say only crew members can use the system.

"It is doubly disappointing that WestJet is now trying to assign blame on the cabin crew for this event," Hussein said in a statement Tuesday posted by CUPE Alberta on X.

Hussain is demanding an apology from WestJet for blaming crew members and says both the airline and Poilievre showed poor judgment.

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the flight had been specifically added to assist with demand for the convention so was largely filled with their Conservative delegates.

Still, he said they'd revisit the policy.

"The leader of the party was given the opportunity to greet delegates onboard (which is not unusual), but this was not a political endorsement nor should it be interpreted as such," von Hoensbroech wrote in his own statement on X.

"We are non-partisan by nature and will revisit our policy on this."

[conehead]

Heard a rumour today that AMFA has secured a tentative agreement for the Maintenance folks at Westjet that will provide a wage uplift of 40% over 4 years. Hope its true!

[Airband]

WestJet suspends flights between Toronto and Montreal until next April

Airline says route will start up again in the spring

Wed Oct 04, 2023 - CBC News
by Pete Evans

Quote

"We're getting less competition among the carriers in terms of competition from these fiefdoms that they've created for themselves, and there is less choice for Canadian consumers."

WestJet is temporarily suspending flights between Canada's two biggest cities this winter, but plans to resume service between Toronto and Montreal next spring.

The Calgary-based airline confirmed the news to CBC News on Wednesday, after CTV first reported it.

The once-a-day route has been temporarily cut "as a result of performance and in alignment with our strategic direction to expand our presence in Eastern Canada this winter, with increased non-stop connectivity to Western Canada, as well as providing more affordable leisure and sun travel opportunities across Canada," the airline said.

WestJet says it plans to resume the service in April of next year.

The move is the latest development after a tumultuous year for the airline industry, as WestJet recently gobbled up vacation carrier Sunwing and folded its discount carrier Swoop.

John Gradek, a former executive at Air Canada who now lectures about aviation management at McGill University, says the move is part of WestJet's strategy to focus on its strengths in Western Canada.

"So they're trading off Montreal and Toronto to fly [for] longer haul Canadian flights," he said in an interview. "They're using the assets that were in Montreal and Toronto now to fly other long-haul markets [and] focusing in on non-stop services to and from Calgary."

Air Canada has also recently made adjustments to its routes, with the Montreal-based carrier announcing that an ongoing pilot shortage had forced the airline to cut back a variety of routes out of Calgary, including non-stop service to Ottawa, Halifax, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Cancun and Frankfurt.

Two hubs emerging

Prior to WestJet's move, the corridor between Toronto and Montreal is among the best served in the country, with four carriers operating more than 360 trips per week, according to aviation data firm Cirium.

But WestJet currently flies 80 per cent fewer trips between Toronto and Montreal than it did in 2019 as the company has slashed routes in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada to refocus on the West.

Gradek says it's hard to ignore the trend that WestJet is consolidating its efforts in its backyard of Western Canada, while Air Canada beefs up in its home turf in the East.

"It's an evolution of the typical hub strategy," Gradek said, where WestJet will orient itself around Calgary while Air Canada centres on Toronto and Montreal.

"We're getting less competition among the carriers in terms of competition from these fiefdoms that they've created for themselves, and there is less choice for Canadian consumers."

[st27]

Yikes! That will put a bit of pressure on the commuters

[Malcolm]

WestJet growth plan soars with intercontinental expansion across Canada

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership 

15 Nov, 2023, 07:45 ET

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Announcement reaffirms commitment to Eastern and Atlantic Canada's transatlantic connectivity with reintroduction of European routes

Airline announces exclusive service between Calgary and Reykjavik (Keflavik) and increased frequencies for international routes out of Calgary hub, including daily, exclusive service to Tokyo

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced an expansion of its European summer 2024 network. Propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, the airline reintroduced sought-after service connecting Eastern Canada and Europe and introduced new service from Calgary to Reykjavik (Keflavik). As WestJet continues to strengthen its presence in Western Canada, the airline is also enhancing its 787 Dreamliner hub, increasing frequencies for international routes and adding daily exclusive service to Japan.

"Today's announcement underscores our commitment to affordably connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast to some of the world's most popular destinations," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "As we continue to expand upon our growth story, we are not only providing increased accessibility to Canadians but fostering crucial connectivity between communities and driving economic growth through inbound leisure and business travel."

Western Canada's gateway to Iceland, unlocked

With four-times weekly service, beginning May 15, 2023, WestJet will be the only airline providing direct connectivity to Iceland from Calgary.

"In consultation with local partners, we agreed to announce our intention to begin service to Keflavik in May; we will continue to closely monitor volcanic activity in the region and follow the recommendations of local authorities," continued Weatherill.

Route	Service start date	Frequency	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
Calgary – Reykjavik (Keflavik)	May 15	4x weekly	7:55 p.m.	8:25 a.m.
Reykjavik (Keflavik) - Calgary	May 16	4x weekly	9:45 a.m.	10:43 a.m.

WestJet's service to Reykjavik will be further enhanced by the airline's interline agreement with Icelandair, enabling guests to travel across Icelandair and WestJet's network via one boarding pass, with the convenience of a single check-in and baggage tagged and checked to their final destination.

Eastern Canada's tourism pipeline strengthened with seasonal return of European service

In keeping with its commitment to being Canada's leisure champion from coast-to-coast, WestJet is pleased to reconnect three major eastern Canadian cities to key European destinations this summer, with service from Toronto to Dublin and Edinburgh, Halifax to Dublin, Edinburgh, and London, and St. John's to London.

Stimulating key leisure, business and cargo demand, WestJet's seasonal service to Europe this summer from Eastern Canada is reaffirmation of the airline's commitment to Eastern and Atlantic Canada's international air connectivity.

Route	Service start date	Peak frequency	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
Halifax – Dublin	June 19	4x weekly	10:30 p.m.	7:55 a.m.
Dublin – Halifax	June 20	4x weekly	9:30 a.m.	11:32 a.m.
Halifax – Edinburgh*	June 20	3x weekly	10:40 p.m.	8:04 a.m.
Edinburgh – Halifax*	June 21	3x weekly	9:30 a.m.	11:38 a.m.
Halifax – London (Gatwick)	April 28	4x weekly	11:00 p.m.	9:04 a.m.
London (Gatwick) - Halifax	April 29	4x weekly	11:00 a.m.	1:46 p.m.
Toronto - Dublin	March 1	Daily	9:45 p.m.	9:39 a.m.
Dublin - Toronto	March 2	Daily	11:00 a.m.	1:54 p.m.
Toronto – Edinburgh	May 14	Daily	10:15 p.m.	10:05 a.m.
Edinburgh - Toronto	May 15	Daily	11:25 a.m.	1:59 p.m.
St. John's – London (Gatwick)	May 1	3x weekly	12:15 a.m.	9:00 a.m.
London (Gatwick) - St. John's	May 1	3x weekly	11:00 a.m.	1:15 p.m.

*New route not previously operated

Increased intercontinental frequencies bolster Calgary's position as a convenient two-way tourism gateway for Western Canada

With increased frequency between Calgary and Tokyo and six transatlantic destinations, WestJet is providing Western Canadian communities with more choice and access to their favourite international destinations this summer. Following a highly successful introduction of non-stop service to Tokyo's Narita International Airport, the airline is responding to significant demand for the popular route and increasing service to daily this summer.

Route	Service start date	Frequency summer 2024	Previous frequency summer 2023
Calgary - Tokyo	April 3	Daily	3x weekly
Calgary - Rome	March 16	6x weekly	5x weekly
Calgary – Barcelona	April 30	4x weekly	3x weekly
Calgary - Edinburgh	May 12	4x weekly	3x weekly
Calgary - Paris	Year-round	Daily	No change
Calgary – London (Heathrow)	Year-round	Daily	No change
Calgary - Dublin	April 29	5x weekly	No change

Additional Quotes

"We at Keflavik Airport are thrilled to welcome our new partners at WestJet to Iceland. WestJet is showing great confidence in Iceland as a destination and we look forward to welcoming their passengers to our beautiful country," said Grétar Már Garðarsson, Director, Airline Relations & Route Development, Keflavik Airport. "In addition, Icelandic travellers can fly to Calgary and enjoy all that the city and the province of Alberta has to offer. WestJet is an important and welcome addition to our Airport Community, a strong partner for years to come."

"This exciting new route connecting YYC and Keflavik International Airport, Iceland's international hub, provides convenient direct access to the captivating beauty of Iceland, and unlocks more opportunities for travellers to explore and connect with destinations in Iceland, Europe and beyond, as we continue to expand Calgary's global connectivity and ensuring that YYC is a premier international gateway," said Chris Dinsdale, CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority.

"London's calling and we're on our way! We have worked hard to re-establish a direct connection to Europe, and Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the wide-reaching benefits – from our highly lucrative tourism industry to our business and trade markets. I extend my appreciation to WestJet for seeing the potential that exists in our province and the St. John's International Airport Authority for its dedicated air service development efforts. I look forward to seeing this route succeed," said The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

"Re-establishing non-stop transatlantic service from St. John's has been a strategic priority for the St. John's International Airport Authority," said Dennis Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, St. John's International Airport Authority. This St. John's to London-Gatwick route marks a significant air access milestone and demonstrates our commitment to providing passengers with convenient access to key destinations. We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with WestJet, and sincerely appreciate the commitment to address opportunities within our market."

"WestJet has connected Halifax Stanfield and key European destinations for several years, and we're thrilled they plan to offer three non-stop transatlantic routes again next summer," said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. "Dublin and London Gatwick were popular routes in the past, both for Atlantic Canadians and Europeans, and we're delighted to add Edinburgh to our route map in 2024."

"We are thrilled that WestJet is re-introducing transatlantic flights from Toronto to Dublin and Edinburgh," said Khalil Lamrabet, Chief Commercial Officer, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "The additional flights to these beautiful and historic cities will give our passengers greater choice when traveling to Ireland and Scotland."

[Malcolm]

Got this by email a few mins. ago. AS you can see no details re the changes unless you sign in to your account, learn and be bound by them. I did kind this on 

Privacy statement | WestJet official site Dated Oct 2023, I was not able to locate any press article re today.

Hmmm

http://content.westjet.com/2021/images/westjet.png

 

Revised Privacy Statement We have refreshed our Privacy Statement going forward from October 20, 2023 to reflect new legal requirements, to clarify that it applies to entities within our corporate group and to provide more information about how we may collect, use and disclose personal information, including in the context of business transactions. The amended Privacy Statement applies to all new and existing personal information in our custody or control. By continuing to use our site or services, you acknowledge that you have read and consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with the Policy Statement.

[Malcolm]

WestJet adds direct connectivity between Seoul and Calgary to summer 2024 schedule

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership 

14 Dec, 2023, 10:11 ET

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WestJet's second transpacific connection to Asia, underpins continued establishment of airline's global hub in Calgary

CALGARY, AB, Dec. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced it will welcome Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea to its growing list of international destinations as part of its wider growth strategy to enhance Calgary's presence as an intercontinental hub. With service three days per week this summer, guests travelling between Calgary and Seoul will enjoy the luxuries of WestJet's 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Subject to regulatory approvals, the airline anticipates flights to be available for booking in early 2024 and is inviting Canadians to win a round-trip flight to Seoul and be notified when flights are made available for sale.

"It is with great pleasure that WestJet will serve as Alberta's only direct link to South Korea, furthering our 787 global connectivity from our home city of Calgary. Beyond creating greater two-way tourism opportunities, WestJet service between Seoul and Calgary will increase connectivity between Western Canada and Asia generating unique business and cargo opportunities," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "We saw tremendous success with the launch of service to Asia last summer and anticipate our entry into Seoul will be warmly welcomed by Canadians."

Details of WestJet's service to Seoul

Route	Start Date	Frequency	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Calgary – Seoul**	May 17, 2024*	3x Weekly*	17:55*	20:45 + 1*
Seoul – Calgary**	May 18, 2024*	3x Weekly*	22:45*	18:15*

	*All schedule details are subject to change and are pending Transport Canada and South Korean Government approvals
	** Flights will be made available for booking in 2024 pending government approvals

"As a Hub for connecting travellers to people and places around the world we are excited to welcome WestJet's new route between YYC and South Korea's Incheon International Airport. The expansion provides additional opportunities for guests to explore the sites and experiences offered by these two incredible regions and illustrates YYC's strength as an international gateway," said Chris Dinsdale, CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority.

WestJet Feed Your Seoul sweepstakes

In celebration of the new route to Asia, WestJet has introduced a contest for a chance to win a round-trip flight for two from any Canadian WestJet destination to Seoul. Additionally, by signing up for the contest, guests will be notified when tickets are available for sale once regulatory approval is secured. The contest opens at 8:00 a.m. MT on December 14, 2023, and closes at 11:59 p.m. MT on January 4, 2023, and is open to legal residents of Canada, except Quebec, who are over the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry. No purchase necessary. For full contest rules, see westjet.com/seoul.

Enhancing Alberta's connectivity to Asia

In addition to launching service between Calgary and Seoul, WestJet has also introduced enhanced connectivity between its global hub in Calgary and Tokyo's Narita International Airport this summer, with frequency expanding to daily service. The service expansion comes as WestJet furthers its support of establishing business ties across the Pacific and providing more options than ever before to explore the continent's extraordinary culture, vast landscapes and rich history.

For more information on the introduction of WestJet's service to Seoul, guests can sign up to be the first to learn when flights go on sale through the WestJet Feed Your Seoul sweepstakes.

[Maverick]

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2828223

 

[conehead]

6 minutes ago, Maverick said:

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2828223

 

Very interesting...

[Malcolm]

5 minutes ago, Maverick said:

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2828223

 

Def. a turf battle.  In the midst of a contract renewal.  Hopefully not accurate re possible safety impact.

[Maverick]

 

The upside of WestJet for me in my line maintenance days was the engineers always had very good support from pilots and it continues to this day!

 

 

[conehead]

14 hours ago, Maverick said:

 

The upside of WestJet for me in my line maintenance days was the engineers always had very good support from pilots and it continues to this day!

 

 

That support is great to see!

[Kip Powick]

We had great AME line support on the T-Rex back in CP but one aspect of ground ops  went for crazy after the accident at Dryden. Deicing became a nightmare. 

With the T-rex, if it was cold soaked, one could taxi out with an inch or more snow on the wings and it would blow off, during taxi or at least on the take-off roll, but CP hired a guy , Mr. Anticer, or a name like that, and  he would run around and check all the planes and if you had a snow flake on the wing he would hold up a big sign that said;

YOU MUST DEICE or

I'M GONNA TELL ON YOU

I retired before him, I think, and as rumour had it, things ran more efficiently when he retired as well. Doesn't matter where you work, there is always one guy like that.........

[deicer]

2 hours ago, Kip Powick said:

We had great AME line support on the T-Rex back in CP but one aspect of ground ops  went for crazy after the accident at Dryden. Deicing became a nightmare. 

With the T-rex, if it was cold soaked, one could taxi out with an inch or more snow on the wings and it would blow off, during taxi or at least on the take-off roll, but CP hired a guy , Mr. Anticer, or a name like that, and  he would run around and check all the planes and if you had a snow flake on the wing he would hold up a big sign that said;

YOU MUST DEICE or

I'M GONNA TELL ON YOU

I retired before him, I think, and as rumour had it, things ran more efficiently when he retired as well. Doesn't matter where you work, there is always one guy like that.........

When they changed the rules, it became very challenging.

I agree with you on the fact that a cold soaked wing with powder on it would blow away.  In our op, we would go to the cockpit and have a 'fireside chat' with all involved having to be in agreement.

However, and a BIG however.....

There were some who when provided with solid evidence that the airframe was contaminated, would insist that they didn't need a spray.  That's when the arguments started.  That's when the trigger was pulled on the regulations.

It went both ways.

(But what do I know, I only had 27 years involved in deicing)

[Kip Powick]

1 hour ago, deicer said:

When they changed the rules, it became very challenging.

I agree with you on the fact that a cold soaked wing with powder on it would blow away.  In our op, we would go to the cockpit and have a 'fireside chat' with all involved having to be in agreement.

However, and a BIG however.....

There were some who when provided with solid evidence that the airframe was contaminated, would insist that they didn't need a spray.  That's when the arguments started.  That's when the trigger was pulled on the regulations.

It went both ways.

(But what do I know, I only had 27 years involved in deicing)

Gotcha didn't I, my friend....nothing like a good ha-ha Sunday morning. Just funnin you buddy 

[Malcolm]

Sad news 

Woman found dead in southwest Calgary home identified as WestJet pilot

By Ryan White  Global News

Posted December 19, 2023 12:40 pm

A photo of WestJet Capt. Christina Thomson, candles and a laminated WestJet image outside the home in southwest Calgary where Thomson and an unidentified man were found dead on Dec. 15. Global News

cted in the southwest Calgary neighbourhood of Erlton to pay tribute to one of the two people found dead inside a home late last week.

An unknown person placed candles, flowers and a photograph of Capt. Christina Thomson, a WestJet pilot, on the stairs to a house in the 0 to 100 block of 34th Avenue Southwest.

Emergency crews were called to the location on Friday, Dec. 15 for a check on welfare after friends became concerned after not hearing from their loved one for several days.

Officers located the lifeless bodies of a woman and a man inside the residence.

The WestJet Master Executive Council of the Airline Pilots Association, the union representing WestJet pilots, issued a statement to Global News on Tuesday confirming Thomson’s death.

“Words cannot begin to describe the sense of devastation, grief, and profound loss which now envelops the WestJet pilot group, with the tragic passing of Captain Christina Thomson,” Capt. Bernard Lewall said in the statement.

“It is difficult to convey in words just how instrumental Capt. Thomson was to Canadian aviation. Capt. Thomson served in a variety of important leadership roles with the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), the world’s largest air safety organization. Capt. Thomson volunteered her expertise and leadership skills widely with other airlines across North America, where she regularly met and presented to other pilot groups.

“Not only was Capt. Thomson a first-rate aviator, but she was also known as a driven and strong leader serving as a role model for younger women in aviation. Her life will leave an indelible mark on all those fortunate to have met her. In addition to her professional successes, she had the unique ability to make everyone she crossed paths with feel like they were her closest friend.

[boestar]

On 12/14/2023 at 4:40 PM, Maverick said:

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2828223

 

who did not see this kind of thing coming when they decided to unionize?  Welcome to the big leagues.

[Malcolm]

I guess the revenue (sponship)stream came to an end.

WestJet to retire Disney-themed planes

By Adam Toy  Global News

Posted January 19, 2024 4:37 pm

 Updated January 19, 2024 5:12 pm

A Boeing 737 (737-800) jetliner belonging to WestJet Airlines and in Disney livery lands in Calgary, Alberta on Aug. 28, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Larry MacDougaE

Fans of WestJet’s Disney-themed livery will have to Let It Go when those aircraft are repainted to the airline’s standard colours.

The Calgary-based airline confirmed it plans on retiring the Walt Disney World Resort co-branded paint jobs later this year.

“In this case, the co-branded liveries will be updated following a natural transition in our contract agreements with Disney Parks & Resorts,” a WestJet spokesperson said in a statement.

One of the planes, dubbed the “Magic Plane,” features Mickey Mouse as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice casting a spell. That Boeing 737-800 was unveiled on Dec. 2, 2013, and had interior accents like headrests embroidered with stars.

A WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-800 (C-GWSV) jet airliner, painted in special Disney themed “Frozen” livery, takes off from Vancouver International Airport, Richmond, B.C. on Sunday, January 6, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Bayne Stanley

The Frozen-themed plane, unveiled in October 2015, features characters Anna, Elsa and Olaf, from the titular film and had sparkles in some of the paint. At the time of its release, the interior of the Boeing 737-800 featured thematic headrest covers and decals, but the decals were later removed.

Trending Now

[J.O.]

DeSantis probably threatened to stop allowing them to land in Florida.

[Malcolm]

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership 

Jan 25, 2024, 14:45 ET

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CALGARY, AB, Jan. 25, 2024 /CNW/ - WestJet today proudly announced its latest achievement, securing a coveted position among Canada's best employers, according to Forbes Magazine. The prestigious recognition is based on a comprehensive survey encompassing more than 40,000 employees across various Canadian companies and institutions.

"We are honoured to be recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada's best employers. As WestJet continues to soar to new heights, this recognition serves as a testament to our dedication to providing fulfilling employment opportunities and ensuring workplace satisfaction across the many diverse roles that are essential to delivering the friendly and reliable travel experiences Canadians know and love," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer.

In partnership with Statista, the Forbes Magazine survey identified standout employers across the nation, placing WestJet in the elite ranks of the top fifteen employers in the transportation and logistics sector.

Integral to WestJet's people-first culture is the airline's robust employee-driven community investment portfolio, keen focus on employee engagement and diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as its innovative approach to talent development. Additionally, the airline revived its employee profit share program in 2023, reaffirming the organization's commitment to fostering a collaborative culture as the airline returns to profitability.

WESTJET AIRLINES ON FORBES LISTS

• #249
  Canada's Best Employers
• #72
  Canada's Best Employers For Diversity

AIR CANADA ON FORBES LISTS

• #185
  Canada's Best Employers
• #236
  World's Best Employers

•  

[Newman]

On 6/18/2023 at 11:03 PM, Super 80 said:

I would say the problems started with Saretsky doing precisely what he was hired to do.

 

On 6/20/2023 at 11:17 PM, MD2 said:

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.

The Saretsky era ushered in an influx of American executives (EVP/VP) and the beginnings of a less cooperative/more combative relationship with the employee group.

I clearly recall a meeting with one of the American EVP's in 2012, who lamented that a particular initiative was taking time going through WestJetty channels to gain buy in from frontline employees and flat out said we wouldn't be doing that anymore and if they don't like it, they can unionize.

It was all down hill from there.

[Newman]

On 1/19/2024 at 7:08 PM, Malcolm said:

I guess the revenue (sponship)stream came to an end.

WestJet to retire Disney-themed planes

By Adam Toy  Global News

Posted January 19, 2024 4:37 pm

 Updated January 19, 2024 5:12 pm

A Boeing 737 (737-800) jetliner belonging to WestJet Airlines and in Disney livery lands in Calgary, Alberta on Aug. 28, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Larry MacDougaE

Fans of WestJet’s Disney-themed livery will have to Let It Go when those aircraft are repainted to the airline’s standard colours.

The Calgary-based airline confirmed it plans on retiring the Walt Disney World Resort co-branded paint jobs later this year.

“In this case, the co-branded liveries will be updated following a natural transition in our contract agreements with Disney Parks & Resorts,” a WestJet spokesperson said in a statement.

One of the planes, dubbed the “Magic Plane,” features Mickey Mouse as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice casting a spell. That Boeing 737-800 was unveiled on Dec. 2, 2013, and had interior accents like headrests embroidered with stars.

A WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-800 (C-GWSV) jet airliner, painted in special Disney themed “Frozen” livery, takes off from Vancouver International Airport, Richmond, B.C. on Sunday, January 6, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Bayne Stanley

The Frozen-themed plane, unveiled in October 2015, features characters Anna, Elsa and Olaf, from the titular film and had sparkles in some of the paint. At the time of its release, the interior of the Boeing 737-800 featured thematic headrest covers and decals, but the decals were later removed.

Trending Now

The Disney plane was previously in the "Care-antee" livery designed by an employee.  That livery (and the commitment to not do airline type things like charge for extra bags, etc...) didn't last long before Executives decided it needed to go.  There was some panic about the expense of repainting an almost new livery, so executives toyed with options including the possibility of temporarily parking the aircraft when Disney came to the rescue proposing the idea of having WestJet paint an aircraft in a Disney livery with Disney covering the cost.

[Kip Powick]

‘It’s just not right’: Passengers call out WestJet for breaching rebooking rules

 

 

MONTREAL - On a frigid Saturday earlier this month, Mindy Watson learned that her family’s flight that day from Edmonton to Toronto, en route to Cuba, was cancelled.

WestJet offered to rebook their Varadero vacation on Sunday — not the following day, but eight days later on Jan. 21.

"My wife is Canadian military and needs to be back on base at CFB Comox on Jan. 22," Watson said. Her daughter needed to clock into her nursing shift the same day, and another family member on the trip — a veteran with disabilities — had to be home for appointments.

One agent told her he was not allowed to book them on another airline, she said, adding that multiple representatives said the same.

They ended up scrapping the trip, a getaway the family had been looking forward to for months.

Watson was among thousands of WestJet customers whose flights were cancelled amid an extreme cold snap in Alberta earlier this month. And many say the airline would not reschedule them within the required window, in what one advocate framed as just the latest example of a failure to uphold travellers' rights.

If a carrier has to call off a trip for reasons outside its control — severe weather, for example — Canada’s passenger rights charter requires it to rebook passengers on its own planes or those of a partner airline within 48 hours. If it can’t, it must put them on board “the next available flight that is operated by any carrier” to reach their destination.

 

The Canadian Press has spoken or emailed with more than two dozen passengers who say they were not rebooked within the prescribed time frame — many of them for WestJet trips scheduled this month, but others for flights over the past couple of years across several airlines.

 

 

Calgary-based WestJet says it rebooks customers, including with rival airlines, after cancellations in accordance with federal rules.

“We understand how frustrating it is when travel doesn’t go as planned during extreme weather events and are committed to our guests and ensuring their safe and expedient journey,” spokeswoman Madison Kruger said in an email.

"We sincerely apologize to our guests who were impacted by the extreme weather events of the past week, but safety will always be our first priority," she said.

Kruger said the airline rebooks with a number of different carriers.

“WestJet books reaccommodation flights on partner and non-partner airlines during irregular operations for domestic and international flights in compliance with the (passenger rights charter) and in certain circumstances as a gesture of goodwill.”

Recordings of phone conversations between passengers and WestJet agents suggest that isn't always the case.

WestJet cancelled Winnipeg resident Kelly Regula’s connecting flight back home from Toronto on Jan. 12. In recordings of her phone conversations with airline agents shared with The Canadian Press, company representatives say they were barred from booking her on one of the multiple Air Canada flights apparently available that Friday, slotting her into a Monday departure with WestJet instead — well over 48 hours later.

Regula wound up booking a trip with Air Canada for herself, her husband and child at a price of $2,855.

“It’s just not right," she said. "But I can see why people just give up. It’s exhausting.”

Ashley Armstrong, whose Saskatoon-Orlando flight was also cancelled by WestJet on Friday, Jan. 12, was rebooked for the following Wednesday even after she highlighted other trip options.

“There is an Air Canada flight that travels on Sunday, and so I don't understand why we couldn't get booked onto that flight,” she told the agent the next day, according to a recording she made and shared with The Canadian Press.

“I'm unable to do interline stuff. I can only deal with WestJet,” he replied.

Asked about Armstrong and Regula's experiences, WestJet said it had forwarded their files to its guest team for review to ensure the airline's policies were properly applied.

Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez told The Canadian Press on Thursday that airlines "can't and they shouldn't" get away with consumer rights violations. "They have to respect that."

An overhaul of the passenger rights charter is underway, he noted, with stricter rules expected to take effect this year.

 

Some passengers said carriers informed them of a cancellation by email and that a message on rebooking options would follow — but it never actually landed in their inbox.

Even when it does, customers can spend hours waiting — on the phone or in person — to try for a different booking.

Colin MacRae called the number given to make alternate arrangements after his Toronto-Calgary flight on Dec. 23 was cancelled and he was rebooked on a flight three days later.

"After being on hold for over six hours, we were asked if we wished for a callback. We said yes, we would. They then scheduled their 'earliest possible callback,' which was for 8 a.m. on the 30th of December — the same day as our scheduled return flight," MacRae said.

Some customers, like Regula, simply rebook with another airline themselves and hope to reclaim the cost from the original carrier later. This requires filling out a form on the airline's website and waiting 30 days for a response. If it's denied, passengers can file a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency, a process can take up to two years due to a backlog of about 64,000.

Gabor Lukacs, president of the Air Passenger Rights consumer advocacy group, says he believes airlines have been failing to meet rebooking requirements since they came into force in 2019.

“I believe it’s very widespread, and it’s one of the prime examples of airlines blatantly sabotaging the (regulations) with complete impunity," he claimed.

To stress the regulations' intent, he pointed to a 2022 federal impact assessment stating "that large carriers will have to rebook the passenger on the next available flight of any carrier, including competitors."

The Canadian Transportation Agency needs to crack down on rule breakers, he said.

Fines have shot up from a total of $725,000 in 2022-23 to $1.17 million so far this fiscal year, which ends March 31.

But that tally is a drop in the sea of revenue that carriers earn each year — Air Canada alone took in $6.34 billion in the first nine months of 2023. And the penalties were spread across foreign and domestic airlines, as well as railways.

The agency's enforcement team tracks complaints to scan for a pattern of contraventions, and looks to impose fines when it sees a problem as "systemic," said Tom Oommen, the agency's director general of analysis and outreach, in an interview.

"So far, we haven't found that yet," he said of rebooking violations.

The agency plans to ratchet up its maximum fines by a factor of 10 as part of upcoming regulatory reforms, Oommen said.

Over the past four years, the regulator has issued a total of $16,700 in fines for breaches around rebooking. All 30 instances involved WestJet and Sunwing — since bought by WestJet.

The two carriers are not the only targets of customer ire. Last week, a B.C.-based tour operator launched a $28,000 lawsuit against Air Canada, aiming to recoup money it spent on taxis, hotels and flights when 31 British Columbians found themselves stranded in Toronto after heading off for a two-week tour of Newfoundland in June 2022.

The airline offered to book the passengers of Wells Gray Tours three to five days after the cancellation, according to the filing. None of the allegations has been proven in court and Air Canada did not respond to a request for comment about the suit.

As for Mindy Watson, after calling off their Cuban getaway and rebooking a flight back home to Vancouver Island for Jan. 14, the family was again hit with a cancellation and rebooked for three days later.

“We couldn’t incur any more expenses," she said. “We have been trapped in Edmonton for days, waiting to see if today's booking actually happens.”

That flight too fell through. They finally touched down in Comox, B.C., at 3 a.m. last Friday — nearly a week after they tried to leave on vacation, without ever taking one.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 25, 2024.