by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Fri October 30, 2026
WestJet has not been quiet in its objection to Ottawa’s recent strategy to loan money to airlines struggling under skyrocketing fuel prices. While smaller airlines including Transat and Porter have supported the program or expressed interest in it, the nation’s big two airlines have not. When the plan was announced, Air Canada commented that it would not be taking advantage of the loan program, while WestJet was more direct. "We ask the government to abandon the cycle of corporate charity and focus on long-term stability by fixing the overdue foundational cost issues that hold our entire industry back," a spokesperson responded to the announcement.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech has since called for a national aviation strategy rather than direct financing options from the government.
Earlier this month, at the IATA Aviation Day Canada conference in Ottawa, von Hoensbroech called air travel in Canada a necessity and said that a national strategy is key to ensuring Canadians are able to stay connected. “We support the government’s review of fees, airport structures, and passenger regulations,” he said. “But this must translate into practical policies that lower user costs and protect connectivity.”
In Calgary this week, he again stated the importance of a national strategy to “address mounting cost pressures and a growing market imbalance” that WestJet says is “weakening Canadian aviation's ability to absorb fuel-price shocks and sustain investment in connectivity.”
At a meeting of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, von Hoensbroech warned that rising jet fuel costs have exacerbated problems in the Canadian aviation industry, pushing airlines to the brink. "That is why the fuel story is not only about fuel. Fuel is bringing to light what was already there: Canada's aviation system has very few shock absorbers left," said von Hoensbroech.
WestJet remains opposed to the bailout loan program introduced by the federal government, indicating that its energy should be put towards improving the system rather than direct funding from the public purse.
"We fundamentally believe that governments should not intervene in markets if they want a healthy and competitive industry," said von Hoensbroech, pointing out that self-funding companies like WestJet are left challenged to compete against fares subsidized by public financing.
"We are asking Canada to be bold and strategic in developing a National Aviation Strategy that advances the essential nature of aviation and leads to a competitive, affordable and healthy airline industry," he said.
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