By Ben Forrest | September 29, 2023 Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 53 seconds.
WestJet said it plans to absorb Sunwing Airlines into its main operations by October 2024, moving its entire fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft under the same air operator certificate.
The company made the announcement Sept. 29, 2023, adding the timeline remains flexible due to factors involving several stakeholders, including its labour partners.
“As we execute upon our network strategy to serve the Canadian leisure market from coast-to-coast, we look forward to consolidating Sunwing Airline’s 737 aircraft with that of WestJet’s, enhancing our ability to meet the diverse travel and product needs of all Canadians,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group, in a release.
WestJet completed the acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines in May, about 14 months after it reached an agreement to acquire the business in 2022.
At the time, von Hoesenbroech said WestJet would add 18 Boeing 737 aircraft from Sunwing’s operations, along with 2,000 employees. He said this would create “Canada’s largest vacation tour operator,” expanding its footprint in eastern Canada.
“Together, we will strategically enhance our sun and leisure offerings to bring even more affordable and accessible travel opportunities to Canadians,” he said in a statement.
This move, following the integration of Swoop — WestJet’s ultra-low-cost carrier — into the airline’s main business, represents further consolidation in the Canadian travel market.
WestJet has touted its growth as a win for passengers, but the Competition Bureau said it would likely result in higher prices and decreased services.
The federal government approved the acquisition with several conditions, including adding Sunwing packages in five new cities and keeping offices in Toronto and Montreal for at least five years.
It’s unclear how the changes will affect Sunwing pilots, represented by the Unifor Pilots Association of Canada, as WestJet pilots prepare for double-digit pay increases.
In June, pilots from WestJet and Swoop ratified a new employment contract that reportedly provides a 24 per cent pay increase over four years. WestJet faces separate contract negotiations this autumn with about 400 pilots from WestJet Encore, its regional subsidiary.
WestJet, Swoop and Encore pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association Int’l (ALPA).
“Integration work will prioritize a seamless transition for Sunwing’s customers and employees as we work together to bring enhanced sun and leisure offerings to communities across the country and ensure jobs for those transferring to WestJet from Sunwing Airlines,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech.
