In a progress report highlighting The WestJet Group’s accomplishments since the launch of its growth strategy nearly two years ago, the company is asking the federal government to make flying more affordable for Canadians.
WestJet wants a freeze on mandatory government-imposed fees and the permanent cessation of airport rent collection. It is also calling for a comprehensive review of Canada's user-pay system for aviation infrastructure. The company says the review should consider competitiveness impacts, intermodal equity, border leakage and value for taxpayers.
"The WestJet Group continues to drive job creation, investment and economic prosperity through the deployment of our ambitious strategy that has enabled us to expand our network and unlock more affordable travel options for Canadians," said CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.
Alexis von Hoensbroech (Photo Credit: Alexis von Hoensbroech)
"From coast-to-coast, communities depend on our reliable and affordable air service. As we build on our success to better serve our guests, we must take action to safeguard affordability."
WestJet says that since it was founded in 1996, ticket prices in Canada have dropped by more than half in real terms, as a direct result of the airline’s entry and ongoing competition in the market. It says this achievement came despite Canada's high cost and uncompetitive regulatory environment.
In other details from the report titled ‘Soaring Together, The WestJet Group enumerated its achievements of the past two years.
· In 2023, guests purchased more than 2.5 million tickets below $100 from The WestJet Group. Nearly 50% of all tickets purchased were priced by WestJet under $200.
· The WestJet Group has hired more than 5,400 employees and currently employs 15,000.
· WestJet has positioned YYC as its global hub, making it the best connected mid-sized city in North America. By the end of 2024, it's expected that The WestJet Group will grow its seat capacity in Calgary by 40% from 2022 levels.
· WestJet is the number one carrier in eight of nine major Western Canadian airports.
· WestJet stakes a claim as Canada's most dependable major airline, surpassing industry standards in on-time departures, arrivals, and completion rates. In April 2024, WestJet ranked second in on-time performance among all major North American carriers.
· In 2023, WestJet completed its major acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations, bolstering scale and market presence to bring vacation offerings to all Canadians. Currently, one in two vacation packages sold in Canada will be sold through the various brands that make up Sunwing Vacations Group.
"WestJet is committed to maintaining a transparent and low-cost structure that welcomes competition and drives the best value for our guests. Yet we operate in a very expensive and user-paid infrastructure environment that significantly drives up ticket prices for the everyday Canadian and hinders competition," von Hoensbroech said.
"Air travellers are paying too much in government fees and charges on their plane ticket compared to other nations and other modes of travel. These changes would increase competition, lower ticket prices, and foster greater transparency for our guests."
Topics From This Article to Explore
