Macleans Magazine

[Stickle]

IT IS, by now, one of those classic Calgary business legends. Seven years ago, real estate developer Clive Beddoe, along with several fellow Calgary executives, grew exasperated with the high cost of business air travel on the country's two major carriers, Air Canada and Canadian Airlines International Ltd. Their solution? Start their own no-frills, discount airline modelled on the hugely successful Dallas-based Southwest Airlines. From its base in Western Canada, WestJet Airlines Ltd. rapidly expanded: it now runs 1,430 flights weekly, and services 25 per cent of the domestic air passenger market. Moreover, WestJet, with Beddoe as its CEO, has consistently turned a profit. Meanwhile, Canadian Airlines was taken over by Air Canada in 1999, and earlier this month a debt-ridden Air Canada sought bankruptcy protection. The blunt-spoken Beddoe takes obvious delight in the competition's woes -- and is not shy about offering both Air Canada and the federal government advice about their future options.

http://www.macleans.ca/xta-doc2/2003/04/28/QA/58637.shtml

[Guest ACguy]

It is no surprize the Mr. Beddoe is outspoken, and lacking sensitivity. However, at this point he is entitled to gloat and strutt his stuff. He has taken on an airline giant and won. His business plan was sustainable and his junoir company has seen much growth and sucess. However, with size often the culture experiences change. In time economic markets will change and the fickle air traveller will bend and sway like a leaf in the wind. There will be a point and time in Mr. Beddoe's Westjet career where he will reflect on his actions towards others when in such desperate times. Often a coach of ours said "you say little when you lose and even less when you win." Respect is not something that has been exhibited and sadly I can't think of too many AC employees whom have ever wished poorly of Westjet. It is always good to see Canadian aviation flourish. Time will be the best judge and I for one will be watching.