Latest news with #WestJetGroup
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WestJet redeploys network to new locations after decline in demand for flights to U.S.
WestJet's schedule of direct flights is opening up to new locations in Mexico and Central America after the airline saw a descent in demand for U.S. destinations this year. On Monday, WestJet announced five new routes to warmer cities as part of its upcoming winter schedule. The new destinations include Guadalajara, Tepic and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Panama City, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said the new destinations come as the company makes network adjustments to account for "the geopolitical environment" this year. The airline has seen a decline in demand from Canadian travellers interested in flying to the U.S. "As a result, we've redeployed some of our capacity into domestic markets across the Atlantic and to [Latin America and] Caribbean destinations," Weatherill said. "We've seen that demand situation stabilize, but it's hard to say how it's going to develop going forward. But we have a lot of confidence in the destinations that we're offering today." A decline in consumer interest for U.S. travel has been recorded in Canada since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January and began commenting on a desire to make Canada the 51st state of his country. Many Canadians have opted not to visit their southern neighbour for a number of reasons, including the ongoing trade war between the two countries, increased scrutiny at the border or as a way to boycott the U.S. Instead, Weatherill said the company has seen more interest from Canadians this year in domestic travel, or visiting Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. "It's been meaningful, but it's stabilized and we hope to see it begin to improve," Weatherill said about consumer demand for U.S. travel. The new destinations are also part of the airline's overall strategy to reach more Latin American and Caribbean destinations, which it's pursuing regardless of Canada's relationship with the U.S. Balázs Bogáts, the chief commercial officer at the Calgary airport, also acknowledged the shift in demand WestJet has seen. "Due to the ongoing geopolitical challenges, WestJet decided to reallocate some capacity to some exciting new destinations," said Bogáts In May, WestJet paused nine routes between Canada and the U.S. as a result of declining consumer demand, including the route between Calgary and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which was suspended for a month in June.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WestJet redeploys network to new locations after decline in demand for flights to U.S.
WestJet's schedule of direct flights is opening up to new locations in Mexico and Central America after the airline saw a descent in demand for U.S. destinations this year. On Monday, WestJet announced five new routes to warmer cities as part of its upcoming winter schedule. The new destinations include Guadalajara, Tepic and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Panama City, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said the new destinations come as the company makes network adjustments to account for "the geopolitical environment" this year. The airline has seen a decline in demand from Canadian travellers interested in flying to the U.S. "As a result, we've redeployed some of our capacity into domestic markets across the Atlantic and to [Latin America and] Caribbean destinations," Weatherill said. "We've seen that demand situation stabilize, but it's hard to say how it's going to develop going forward. But we have a lot of confidence in the destinations that we're offering today." A decline in consumer interest for U.S. travel has been recorded in Canada since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January and began commenting on a desire to make Canada the 51st state of his country. Many Canadians have opted not to visit their southern neighbour for a number of reasons, including the ongoing trade war between the two countries, increased scrutiny at the border or as a way to boycott the U.S. Instead, Weatherill said the company has seen more interest from Canadians this year in domestic travel, or visiting Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. "It's been meaningful, but it's stabilized and we hope to see it begin to improve," Weatherill said about consumer demand for U.S. travel. The new destinations are also part of the airline's overall strategy to reach more Latin American and Caribbean destinations, which it's pursuing regardless of Canada's relationship with the U.S. Balázs Bogáts, the chief commercial officer at the Calgary airport, also acknowledged the shift in demand WestJet has seen. "Due to the ongoing geopolitical challenges, WestJet decided to reallocate some capacity to some exciting new destinations," said Bogáts In May, WestJet paused nine routes between Canada and the U.S. as a result of declining consumer demand, including the route between Calgary and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which was suspended for a month in June.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WestJet redeploys network to new locations after decline in demand for flights to U.S.
WestJet's schedule of direct flights is opening up to new locations in Mexico and Central America after the airline saw a descent in demand for U.S. destinations this year. On Monday, WestJet announced five new routes to warmer cities as part of its upcoming winter schedule. The new destinations include Guadalajara, Tepic and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Panama City, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said the new destinations come as the company makes network adjustments to account for "the geopolitical environment" this year. The airline has seen a decline in demand from Canadian travellers interested in flying to the U.S. "As a result, we've redeployed some of our capacity into domestic markets across the Atlantic and to [Latin America and] Caribbean destinations," Weatherill said. "We've seen that demand situation stabilize, but it's hard to say how it's going to develop going forward. But we have a lot of confidence in the destinations that we're offering today." A decline in consumer interest for U.S. travel has been recorded in Canada since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January and began commenting on a desire to make Canada the 51st state of his country. Many Canadians have opted not to visit their southern neighbour for a number of reasons, including the ongoing trade war between the two countries, increased scrutiny at the border or as a way to boycott the U.S. Instead, Weatherill said the company has seen more interest from Canadians this year in domestic travel, or visiting Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. "It's been meaningful, but it's stabilized and we hope to see it begin to improve," Weatherill said about consumer demand for U.S. travel. The new destinations are also part of the airline's overall strategy to reach more Latin American and Caribbean destinations, which it's pursuing regardless of Canada's relationship with the U.S. Balázs Bogáts, the chief commercial officer at the Calgary airport, also acknowledged the shift in demand WestJet has seen. "Due to the ongoing geopolitical challenges, WestJet decided to reallocate some capacity to some exciting new destinations," said Bogáts In May, WestJet paused nine routes between Canada and the U.S. as a result of declining consumer demand, including the route between Calgary and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which was suspended for a month in June.
Cision Canada
07-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
WestJet announces winter schedule for Québec, enhancing vacation optionality Français
MONTRÉAL, July 7, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet released its 2025/2026 winter schedule for Québec—the first integrated schedule with Sunwing. For the first time, WestJet will introduce weekly departures from Montréal to Samaná, Dominican Republic and Managua, Nicaragua. WestJet is also introducing two new destinations from Québec City: San Andrés Island, Colombia and Montego Bay, Jamaica. "The WestJet Group continues to see many opportunities for growth across Québec, and we remain committed to safely flying guests to the places they want most," said Lyne Chayer, Vice President, Sunwing Vacations Group Québec. "We're also proud to be carrying on Sunwing's longstanding legacy of helping Québecers enjoy warm vacations during the cold winter months." Committed to affordable connections between Québec and a total of 23 sun vacation hotspots, WestJet is increasing weekly departures twelve per cent overall, with peak non-stop service to Latin America and the Caribbean increasing by thirteen per cent from Québec alone. Sunwing Vacations expands package options The WestJet Group continues to offer enhanced vacation packages through Sunwing Vacations Group's tour operating and retail brands this winter. Vacation seekers can enjoy seamless, affordable holiday travel with the added benefit of WestJet's industry-leading hospitality by booking on Vacances WestJet Quebec, or "We're thrilled to offer flights and vacation packages from Montréal to the new and exciting destinations of Samaná and Managua for this winter season, along with packages from Québec City to San Andrés and Montego Bay," said Lyne Chayer. "These destinations are all rich in culture and history and are available to book through our all-inclusive vacation brands. We're excited to provide a growing number of vacation options to suit our guests' diverse needs from the province of Québec, coupled with reliable, caring and bilingual service on board WestJet. We encourage guests to book early to secure their preferred destination at an incredible price point." Guests travelling from Québec may book WestJet's full winter 2025/2026 schedule beginning July 14, 2025. Winter 2025/2026 highlights: Additional quotes Montreal (YUL) – Karl Brochu, Vice-President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development, Aéroports de Montréal "ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted with these new routes served by WestJet, a long-standing partner. These routes will make travelling easier for the many passengers using YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport," said Karl Brochu, ADM's Vice-President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development. "We're very pleased to support WestJet in expanding its service offering with these new sun destinations that cater to different groups of travellers. An airport that provides varied and accessible services benefits the entire community." Quebec City (YQB) – Stéphane Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer, YQB "The addition of San Andrés in Colombia and Montego Bay in Jamaica reflects WestJet's commitment to offer Québec City travellers varied, attractive and easily accessible winter options," notes Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB. "These new sun destinations are a perfect fit with our shared goal of adding options from YQB, thanks to the carrier's renewed trust in our airport. We welcome WestJet's commitment to enriching its network and supporting the growth of our market." Samaná (AZS) – Alexandra Malvezin, Chief Commercial Officer, AERODOM "We're thrilled about these new flights from Canada to Samaná. Thanks to WestJet, more travelers will be able to experience the stunning beaches, natural beauty, and rich culture of this incredible region,' said Alexandra Malvezin, Chief Commercial Officer, AERODOM. "At VINCI Airports, we are committed to enhancing air connectivity and supporting the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve." WestJet Cargo – Amanda Ierfino, WestJet Vice-President, Sales and Cargo "We're excited to see the connectivity in Montréal broaden with the addition of belly cargo service to Managua and Samaná this winter," said Amanda Ierfino, WestJet Vice-President, Sales and Cargo. "These routes are particularly important for the movement of perishable goods, including tropical fruits, fresh flowers and seafood, meeting seasonal demand and enabling greater trade flows and economic ties between Canada and Central America, as well as the Caribbean." About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French) Follow WestJet on Facebook at Follow WestJet on X at and Follow WestJet on Instagram at
Travel Daily News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
WestJet Group completes integration of Sunwing Airlines
WestJet completes Sunwing Airlines integration, unifying operations, enhancing sun and leisure travel offerings, and expanding affordable options for Canadian travellers. WestJet officially completes its integration of Sunwing Airlines. This achievement represents two years (to the month) of dedicated work, strategic coordination and consultation, and a commitment to delivering greater value and connectivity for Canadian travellers. 'Completing two airline consolidations in just two years – the first with Swoop in 2024 and now Sunwing – was complex and required coordination across every aspect of our business, from operational, labour, and regulatory areas to experiential and cultural elements,' says Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. 'Achieving this milestone is proof of the incredible way our unified team works together and is a clear win for WestJet and our guests; it's also a story of transformation in Canadian aviation. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed!' WestJet acquired Sunwing in May 2023, the first step of many in bringing together two distinctly Canadian travel and tourism success stories, as part of WestJet's ambition to be the leader in providing affordable and accessible sun and leisure travel for Canadians. The vision to integrate Sunwing Airlines, realized on May 29, 2025, is part of the airline's strategy to deliver new and competitive travel options, and greater overall value for Canadians in sun and leisure market, while strengthening Canada's travel industry at a critical time. WestJet has now integrated all jet aircraft under a single Air Operator Certificate (AOC), including 16 former Swoop aircraft, another nine former Lynx Air aircraft which were secured after that airline went out of business, and now 18 more from Sunwing Airlines. WestJet's unified narrowbody operation will begin to realize efficiencies once it transforms these aircraft with cabin reconfigurations to the WestJet standard interior being completed through 2025. The result of this integration will be a consistent onboard experience for guests, with a more diverse range of onboard product offerings, including Premium, Economy, Extended Comfort, and UltraBasic seating available on all 150 Boeing 737 aircraft across the airline. WestJet's concept for expanding cabin optionality will serve the evolving needs of Canadian travellers who appreciate the ability to choose between a range of products and price points, without compromising on network. Additionally, guests flying on WestJet with reservations through the Sunwing Vacations brand, which continues to exist as Canada's post popular vacations provider, or its wholly owned tour operator businesses, can expect an improved end-to-end travel experience, as Canada's leading vacations provider continues to streamline processes and booking flows with guests in mind. 'The final Sunwing-operated flight this week is a time to reflect,' von Hoensbroech notes, recognizing that Sunwing has played an important and influential role in the Canadian leisure travel market. 'I know every Sunwing employee, past and present feels their contributions have mattered to advancing the experience of air travel. To all WestJetters and former Sunwing team members: thank you. This milestone is your achievement, and a proud moment for us all.'
