Highlights of the day Kalayil joined von Hoensbroech for a series of meetings that offered a window into the breadth of decisions required to run a major airline. Fleet planning discussions and navigating government relationships were two notable sessions. He also participated in a mock emergency response exercise, experiencing firsthand how teams collaborate under pressure in the interest of safety. But the day wasn’t all business: Kalayil joined hundreds of WestJetters on campus to celebrate the company's 30th birthday, with many (including von Hoensbroech) dressed in 1990s outfits. He and von Hoensbroech took a turn at the cake table, together handing out sweet treats to smiling attendees before heading off to their next stop. Hangar tour The day wrapped up in the hangar — Kalayil's favourite stop — where the two explored WestJet’s aircraft up close. They saw cabin reconfiguration work in motion, examined jet engines from only a few feet away, and stepped inside a Dreamliner to see its engineering and design firsthand. Exciting moments included a test of a lie-flat business class pod, and sitting in the flight deck, imagining what it might feel like to fly across oceans. A perfect finale for an aspiring engineer with an interest in aviation. Reflections on the experience Before the day wrapped up, Kalayil reflected on the moments that stood out — particularly the human side of WestJet leadership he witnessed up close. He described von Hoensbroech and other executives as "very friendly, very open. They were talking to everyone and being very open to ideas ... that was something that was really incredible to see." Kalayil was also impressed with von Hoensbroech's breadth of industry knowhow, saying "he really showed his knowledge of the whole process and understanding of the entire system when making decisions. I found that really fascinating. He wasn't just focused on one piece; he knew all the aspects of the problems and procedures. It was very interesting." For his part, von Hoensbroech also shared positive vibes on the CEOx1Day program, saying "spending the day with Albert was a real reminder of how energizing fresh perspectives can be. His questions came from a place of genuine curiosity, and that’s something every leader benefits from. Opening our doors to the next generation keeps us sharp and connected to the future of this industry.” Programs like CEOx1Day create meaningful, two-way learning: students gain rare insight into leadership, while organizations gain fresh viewpoints that help keep their culture grounded, curious, and connected to the future. WestJet was happy to participate in the program this year and wishes Kalayil every success with his future career aspirations.