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Newsroom
Welcome to your one-stop destination for the latest WestJet updates.
In the newsroom, you’ll learn about our airline's caring approach to safety, operations and our global aviation network.
Whether you're writing your next story, flying with us in the air or planning your next bucket-list trip, we are committed to ensuring you stay connected to us through our latest updates.
If you're a media representative and have a question, media@westjet.com is monitored 24/7.
WestJet to temporarily suspend service to four domestic stations
WestJet will temporarily suspend operations to St. John's, N.L., London, Ont., and Lloydminster and Medicine Hat, Alta., as of March 19, until June 24, 2021.
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Flyer Beware – A blog update from our CEO Ed Sims
As President and CEO of Canada’s second largest airline and an emerging global carrier, I am deeply disappointed with the approval by the government of Canada on February 11 of the acquisition of Transat by Air Canada, without meaningful remedies. The real losers in all of this are Canadians who believe in open and healthy competition. According to the Competition Bureau, what they will get by contrast is higher prices and reduced service.
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WestJet cuts flying to Mexico and Caribbean at request of Canadian government
The WestJet Group announced it would temporarily cease international flying to 14 sun destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean in response to a request from the Government of Canada. Effective Sunday, January 31 at 12:01 a.m. ET, WestJet will suspend southbound operations to the following destinations until April 30.
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WestJet slashes capacity in response to rushed government testing regime
WestJet announced further cuts to its schedule as the airline continues to face volatile demand and instability in the face of continuing federal government travel advisories and restrictions. As a result of the reduction in capacity, the equivalent of 1,000 employees across the WestJet Group of Companies will be impacted through a combination of furloughs, temporary layoffs, unpaid leaves and reduced hours.
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WestJet to offer approved pre-flight testing for Hawaii travel
WestJet has collaborated with the State of Hawaii to begin offering a pre-flight COVID-19 testing program for guests travelling to the islands. A negative test result from one of WestJet’s laboratory partners is required within 72-hours of departure to Hawaii and will exempt the guest from the state's required 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
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Pre-travel testing – what’s it all about?
While you may have heard quite a bit about Alberta-arrivals testing, you may not have heard as much about the secondary announcement – a new fee-for-service testing program that will be offered to travellers leaving the province so they can get a COVID-19 test and results within 72-hours before travelling. The tests, which will cost $150, will be provided by Dynalife Medical Labs.
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WestJet applauds Alberta-based quarantine trial
WestJet today welcomed the announcement of a COVID-19 testing trial by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. Together, the governments announced the launch of a new pilot program at the YYC Calgary International Airport to safely test a reduced quarantine period, while protecting Canadians from COVID-19.
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WestJet becomes first national carrier in Canada to voluntarily provide refunds to original form of payment
The WestJet Group of Companies today announced it will begin providing refunds to original form of payment for those guests with flights cancelled by WestJet and Swoop, from any time period, for any fare including BASIC FARE as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Monday, November 2, 2020, WestJet will systematically contact eligible guests, beginning with those with flights cancelled at the onset of the pandemic.
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WestJet pulls back from Atlantic Canada
WestJet announced it will be indefinitely suspending operations to Moncton, Fredericton, Sydney and Charlottetown, while significantly reducing service to Halifax and St. John's. The suspension eliminates more than 100 flights weekly or almost 80 percent of seat capacity from the Atlantic region starting November 2 and also suspends operations to Quebec City, with the removal of Toronto service.
Learn moreWestJet enhances no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance offering with U.S. coverage
WestJet is introducing no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance coverage for eligible guests booking travel to, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and European destinations including the United Kingdom. WestJet air-only reservations including WestJet Vacations bookings for travel to and from the destinations will provide eligible guests no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance through new partner TuGo®.
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WestJet reinforces commitment to safety with zero-tolerance mask policy
The WestJet Group has announced multiple safety updates including the potential for denied travel and a one-year WestJet Group travel ban for those who fail to comply with the airlines' mask regulation.
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A new pilot taking flight
WestJet and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are embarking on a new pilot project that will incorporate COVID-19 testing for WestJet guests on select departing flights out of YVR. The pilot, which we aim to launch this fall, will incorporate current best practices on testing, pulling together industry players and experts to lead in the research and development of solutions that support aviation safety and slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Joint comment on Transport Canada's Flight Plan for navigating COVID-19
Canada’s two largest airlines and two largest airports welcomed Transport Canada’s long-awaited Flight Plan for Navigating COVID-19 as a major step forward in restarting Canada’s air travel industry by confirming the country’s biosafety standards. The document is a clear endorsement of biosafety programs already put in place by Air Canada, WestJet, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and the Vancouver Airport Authority.
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WestJet, safety above all
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we have been taking many extra steps to ensure the safety of our guests and our crew and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. We hold ourselves to the highest standard and strive to create an environment as safe and clean as possible and our robust travel hygiene program under the Safety Above All umbrella, details what guests can expect when travelling during the pandemic.
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Keeping you informed about COVID-19 impacted flights
It is our goal to be transparent in advising the public and WestJetters of flights affected by COVID-19. WestJet is the only airline taking the extra steps to post affected flights to external channels and continue to make updates to our blog as new information becomes available.
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Our statement on seat distancing
As we continue to manage through the ongoing effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that our guests and media may have some questions regarding our reintroduction of the middle seat for sale. WestJet is a highly safety sensitive organization in one of the most carefully regulated industries and every decision we make has the safety of our guests and WestJetters at the forefront.
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WestJet welcomes Dr. Tammy McKnight as Chief Medical Officer
Dr. McKnight will be responsible for assisting WestJet in developing and implementing initiatives relating to the health and well-being of WestJetters and guests. This will include furthering the airline's commitment to mental health, advising on risk mitigation efforts, and making health recommendations to meet or exceed regulations and in line with the varying guidelines in which a global airline operates.
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WestJet announces departure of Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer
Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, will step down from the airline on March 5, 2021. WestJetter and industry veteran, John Weatherill to take on role of EVP and CCO
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Canada closed to competition
Government ignores advice of its own Competition Bureau in Air Canada takeover of Transat approving the purchase of Transat by Air Canada, without significant remedies.
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WestJet returns 737 MAX to service
On January 21, 2021, WestJet returned the first of its 737 MAX aircraft to passenger service with the departure of WS115 from Calgary to Vancouver.
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WestJet announces 737 MAX return-to-service plan
WestJet today announced its intent to return its fleet of 737 MAX aircraft to passenger service in a phased and transparent approach. The airline's plans follow an announcement from Transport Canada (TC) on December 17, 2020 where TC safety experts validated the aircraft design changes and outlined requirements for Canadian carriers.
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Welcome to the WestJet Elevation Lounge
WestJet is proud to reveal its flagship lounge – the WestJet Elevation Lounge. Boasting more than 9,300 square feet of premium space with panoramic views and Canadian-inspired details, the WestJet Elevation Lounge blends contemporary design with refined mountain living inspired by Canada's diverse landscape. The flagship space was designed in collaboration with global architecture and design firm Gensler to carefully consider the needs and safety of guests and frequent travellers.
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WestJet concerned third-party charges undermining Canada's economic recovery
WestJet is increasing the surcharge it charges for air traffic control services between $4 and $7 per guest depending on flight duration. NAV CANADA is Canada's air traffic control operator, responsible for Canada's civil air navigation system.
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WestJet concludes repatriation flight program with Global Affairs Canada
Since April 4, the airline flew 28 missions across 122,000 miles in collaboration with the Government of Canada to reunite more than 4,000 Canadians with home. The 28 flights operated to 14 destinations to bring Canadians home from the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Grand Cayman, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago.
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WestJet announces organizational changes to secure its future
WestJet is making organizational changes aimed at streamlining WestJet for a competitive future following the COVID-19 crisis. These changes will see the company consolidate call centre activity in Alberta, contract out airport operations in all domestic airports outside of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto, and strategically restructure its office and management staff.
Learn moreWestJet adds sun destinations and Dreamliner flying to January schedule
WestJet has released its updated January schedule featuring Dreamliner service to Mexico and more flights to sun destinations in the Caribbean, the United States (including Hawaii), Mexico and Central America.
Learn moreWestJet adds holiday heat to December schedule
WestJet has released its updated December schedule featuring up to 55 daily flights to sun destinations in the Caribbean, the United States (including Hawaii) and Mexico. The schedule also highlights increased domestic frequencies for travel starting December 5, 2020 through to January 4, 2021.
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WestJet updates schedule with key sun markets
Updated schedule designed to get Canadians to and from key destinations while supporting the economic recovery of Canada through continued domestic flying. Starting October 4, 2020 WestJet will offer operations to and from 48 destinations including 39 in Canada, three in the U.S. and three in Mexico, two in Jamaica and one in the U.K.
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WestJet Christmas Miracle: the season to give
WestJet aircraft and delivery vehicles took to the skies and the roads as WestJetters set out close to home to safely deliver items and care packages for charitable partners, community organizations and healthcare facilities. WestJetters donning Blue Santa hats and following local safety protocols, delivered blankets, personal protective equipment and food to shelters, hot meals to front line workers and gifts to seniors and children to spread the holiday spirit.
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WestJet Cargo ensuring Canada’s lifeline reaches communities during COVID-19
The need for blood remains strong and our Cargo operations are keeping a domestic lifeline open for Canadians that need it by continuing to fly blood and blood products across the country for Canadian Blood Services. Each day, as one of Canadian Blood Services cargo carriers, WestJet Cargo transports approximately 300 kilograms of blood products to destinations across the country including; Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Regina, St. John’s, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver.
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