Sunwing Pilots Urge WestJet to Reconsider YQB Closure

Sunwing Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), are calling on WestJet Airlines to reverse its decision to close the Sunwing base at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). 

According to a statement, pilots gathered at YQB to call on WestJet Airlines to reverse its decision to close the base, citing the severe economic and cultural impact it will have on the community.

WestJet acquired Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations in May 2023 and later announced operational changes, including relocating the YQB-based pilots to Montreal. 

ALPA argues the decision contradicts WestJet’s stated goal of expanding services in Eastern Canada.

“WestJet purchased Sunwing with the intention of expanding services in eastern Canada and increasing vacation offerings from regional hubs,” said Capt. Mark Taylor, chair of the Sunwing ALPA Master Executive Council. 

“Closing or relocating the YQB base undermines this corporate strategy and the company’s own stated goals. WestJet must understand the economic impact closing this base will have throughout the Québec City region.”

Pilots warn that the move will have economic consequences, impacting local businesses and WestJet’s standing within the Francophone community. Keeping the base open, they argue, would also improve operational efficiency.

“Keeping the Québec City base open maintains a certain expectation of service level as Sunwing transitions to WestJet,” Taylor added. 

“Having local crews means quicker responses in cases of mechanical issues, crew illness, or staffing shortage problems, which is beneficial for the airline.”

WestJet has not provided an exact closure date but has indicated the transition will take place in the spring of 2025.

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