WestJet announces entry into wide-body service

CALGARY, July 7, 2014 /CNW/ – WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) today announced that it is moving forward with plans that would see the airline fly its own wide-body aircraft as early as fall 2015. The airline has received the support of the WestJet Pilot Association and its Board of Directors, and is currently in the advanced stages of sourcing wide-body aircraft.

“This is the natural, next-step evolution for WestJet,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “It’s made possible by our low-cost business model, growing network strength, airline partnerships and our award-winning brand driven by the efforts of our more than 10,000 WestJetters from coast to coast.”

Initially, WestJet expects to operate four wide-body aircraft with the first deployments on routes between Alberta and Hawaii during the winter season beginning in late 2015. The airline’s current winter service between Alberta and Hawaii, via two Boeing 757-200s operated by Thomas Cook, is ending in the spring of 2015. Further announcements regarding WestJet’s wide-body schedule for the 2016 summer season will be released at a later date, as the airline looks to expand its operation into overseas markets.