WestJet, ALPA agreement ratified; Swoop will be integrated into WestJet

CALGARY — WestJet Group has announced the ratification of the second collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet and Swoop pilots.

“The WestJet Group is pleased to have reached an industry-leading agreement in negotiation with ALPA that recognizes the value and instrumental contributions of our current and future pilots,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. “This agreement bolsters our ability to provide certainty and career opportunities across our organization for years to come while ensuring the competitive sustainability of the WestJet Group.”

The agreement is in effect from Jan. 1, 2023, and will be in place until Dec. 31, 2026.

Swoop Integration

In a follow-up to a report last month, the agreement between WestJet Group and the pilots union includes the condition that Swoop must be fully integrated into WestJet.

WestJet says that through an expedited process, the airline anticipates a full integration into its mainline operations by the end of October.

To avoid traveller impact, Swoop will operate its existing network through to the end of its published schedule on October 28. Swoop employees will move to WestJet.

“The WestJet Group is confident in the outcome of this negotiated decision and the path forward to integrate Swoop into WestJet’s operations,” said von Hoensbroech. “We continue our strategy toward providing reliable, affordable travel across the WestJet Group, leveraging the valuable experiences and learnings from the Swoop business model. This integration will enhance our ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests. Instead of only 16 aircraft serving the ultralow-cost market, each aircraft, in our 180-strong fleet, will offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience.”

WestJet celebrates two new routes out of Calgary and Edmonton

CALGARY — WestJet is celebrating the start of two new routes: Calgary-Washington D.C., and Edmonton-Minneapolis.

The airline’s first-ever service between Calgary and Washington D.C. launched on June 2 with the departure of WS1618, the first of three weekly flights that will travel between the two cities this summer. With the new route, along with new service to Detroit and the restoration of service to an expansive list of U.S. destinations, WestJet has increased its Calgary transborder capacity by 46% compared to summer 2022. It now offers direct service from Calgary to 20 U.S. destinations.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the inauguration of our service between Calgary and Washington D.C., forming yet another meaningful connection between our home hub in Calgary and our southern neighbours that will provide newfound, seamless access to the world-renowned monuments in the capital city of the United States,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development.

Also launching on June 2 was WestJet’s nonstop transborder service between Edmonton and Minneapolis. With the inclusion of Minneapolis to Edmonton’s network, WestJet has increased Edmonton’s transborder capacity this summer by 150%, and its total network capacity by over 40%, marking the airline’s largest network expansion from a single city in its history.

Edmonton-Minneapolis service will run 5x/weekly this summer. Plus, through WestJet’s longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Minneapolis will arrive in one of Delta’s major hubs, gaining access to a vast network of U.S. destinations including Boston, Miami, New York, Washington D.C. and more, on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests.