CALGARY - The Canadian airline WestJet intends to launch a new ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in Canada, subject to agreement with its pilots and any required regulatory approvals. Plans call for the ULCC to begin service in late 2017 with an initial fleet of 10 high-density Boeing 737-800s.
"We have built WestJet from its low-cost, regional roots into a renowned international airline with service to 21 countries and today it's all about disrupting at the price-sensitive end of the market," said Clive Beddoe, WestJet chairman. "Launching a ULCC will broaden WestJet's growth opportunities and open new market segments by offering more choice to those Canadians looking for lower fares."
"The worldview on low-cost airlines has changed since the launch of WestJet in 1996 and we are responding," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet president and CEO. "The complete unbundling of services and products in order to lower fares for the price-sensitive traveler has created the ULCC category and our new airline will provide Canadians a pro-competitive, cheap, and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record."
WestJet, and its regional airline subsidiary WestJet Encore, currently provides scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.