In the competitive landscape of North American aviation, WestJet has emerged as a formidable player, growing from humble beginnings to become Canada’s second-largest airline. With its focus on affordable travel, customer service, and strategic expansion, WestJet continues to reshape the Canadian aviation market while extending its reach internationally.
History and Origins
WestJet was founded on June 27, 1994, by a group of aviation entrepreneurs including Clive Beddoe, David Neeleman, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan, and Donald Bell. The airline was modeled after the successful low-cost carrier business approach pioneered by Southwest Airlines in the United States. The name “WestJet” reflected its initial focus on serving Western Canadian destinations.
The airline’s first commercial flight took off on February 29, 1996, with service between Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. Starting with just three Boeing 737-200 aircraft and 225 employees, WestJet quickly established itself as a disruptive force in Canadian aviation, offering fares that were often more than 50% lower than those of its competitors.
WestJet’s early years weren’t without challenges. In September 1996, just months after beginning operations, the airline’s fleet was temporarily grounded due to a disagreement with Transport Canada over maintenance schedule requirements. However, after resolving these issues, WestJet resumed its growth trajectory.
The airline went public in July 1999, listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “WJA.” Shares initially sold for $10 and rose to $18 by year-end, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s business model.
As the new millennium began, WestJet continued its expansion, adding Toronto and Eastern Canadian destinations to its network. In 2004, the airline took a significant step by launching its first international routes to the United States. By 2006, WestJet had further expanded its international presence with flights to Nassau, Bahamas, marking its first service outside of Canada and the United States.
In December 2019, WestJet underwent a major transition when it was acquired by Onex Corporation in a deal valued at approximately CAD $5 billion. This acquisition took the airline from being publicly traded to becoming a private company.
Fleet and Operations
WestJet’s fleet has evolved significantly since its three original Boeing 737-200 aircraft. Today, the airline operates a modern fleet of almost 200 aircraft with an average age of under 10 years, making it one of the youngest fleets among established North American carriers.
The current WestJet fleet primarily consists of Boeing aircraft, including:
- Boeing 737-700s
- Boeing 737-800s
- Boeing 737 MAX 8s
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, introduced in 2019, marked WestJet’s expansion into the widebody market and enhanced its capability for long-haul international routes. These aircraft feature a three-class configuration with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy sections, allowing WestJet to compete more effectively with full-service carriers on international routes.
WestJet has continued to invest in fleet modernization with significant orders for additional Boeing aircraft. In September 2022, the airline placed an order for 42 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, securing the largest narrowbody order book in Canada. Additionally, in January 2024, WestJet announced the leasing of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to be delivered in 2025, further solidifying its commitment to modernizing its fleet.
The airline also operates WestJet Encore, a regional subsidiary that utilizes De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 aircraft to serve smaller communities and connect them to WestJet’s broader network. Another addition to its portfolio is WestJet Cargo, which operates four Boeing 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) aircraft that were previously used for passenger service.
Hubs and Destinations
WestJet currently operates two primary hubs:
- Calgary International Airport (YYC): Serving as WestJet’s Western Canada global hub and headquarters, Calgary is where all of the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft are based.
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Operating as WestJet’s Eastern Canada hub, connecting passengers to destinations across Canada and sun destinations.
From these hubs and other bases across Canada, WestJet and WestJet Encore serve more than 100 destinations in 28 countries throughout North and Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. This includes 39 cities in Canada and 29 in the United States.
The airline has significantly expanded its international presence in recent years. In 2022, WestJet launched its first destination in Asia with service from Calgary to Tokyo Narita. Recent network announcements include plans for new routes in summer 2025, including flights to Anchorage, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, and Mexico City. The airline has also announced the return of service to Sudbury, Ontario and Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Quick Facts
- Founded: June 27, 1994
- First Flight: February 29, 1996
- Headquarters: WestJet Campus, 22 Aerial Place N.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 3J1
- CEO: Alexis von Hoensbroech
- Employees: Approximately 14,000
- Fleet Size: Nearly 200 aircraft
- Destinations: Over 100 across 28 countries
- Alliance: Non-aligned (independent)
- Parent Company: Onex Corporation (since December 2019)
- Subsidiaries: WestJet Encore, WestJet Cargo
- Annual Passengers: Over 45,000 passengers daily
Contact Information
For customers needing to reach WestJet, several contact options are available:
General Inquiries and Bookings (North America):
- Toll-free: 1-888-937-8538 (24/7)
International Callers:
- Phone: +1-403-444-2581
WestJet Vacations:
- Phone: 1-877-737-7001
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT, 7 days/week
Baggage Inquiries:
- North America: 1-866-666-6224
- International: +1-403-444-2581
Accessibility Assistance:
- Phone: 1-866-693-7853
Corporate Headquarters:
- WestJet Campus
- 22 Aerial Place N.E.
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 3J1
Social Media:
- X (Twitter): @WestJet (Social Care Team available daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. MT)
- Instagram: @WestJet
Customers can also request a callback through WestJet’s website or use the online chat feature available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. MT, seven days a week.
Future Outlook and Strategy
WestJet’s future strategy centers around returning to its low-cost roots while focusing on strategic growth areas. In 2022, the airline announced a renewed focus on several key strategic priorities, which it continues to build upon.
One major focus is establishing WestJet as the undisputed home-team carrier of Western Canada. In October 2022, the airline announced a partnership with the Government of Alberta designating Calgary International Airport as WestJet’s sole global hub. This agreement included commitments to base the entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet in Calgary and to double capacity at the airport by the end of the decade.
For summer 2025, WestJet has announced plans to increase its overall network capacity by 10%, with a 12% increase in domestic seat capacity. This expansion includes the addition of 11 new routes, showcasing the airline’s commitment to growth despite industry challenges.
Fleet modernization continues to be a priority, with significant investments in Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. These new aircraft are more fuel-efficient and offer reduced emissions, supporting WestJet’s sustainability goals. The airline plans to reconfigure its 737 aircraft with higher-density seating in economy class while maintaining premium cabins, allowing for a differentiated product offering that can accommodate various customer preferences and price points.
Sustainability is increasingly important in WestJet’s strategy. The airline has achieved an 11% reduction in emissions intensity compared to 2019 levels and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In November 2022, WestJet became the first Canadian airline to operate a dedicated route using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), running all flights between San Francisco and Calgary with SAF for a three-month period. In April 2024, WestJet purchased sustainable aviation fuel supplied by Shell Aviation, becoming the first airline to acquire SAF in Canada.
Digital transformation is another key component of WestJet’s forward strategy. The airline is investing in technology to improve guest experiences and streamline operations, including enhanced self-serve capabilities and more intuitive interfaces.
As WestJet moves into its next chapter of growth, it remains focused on providing affordable air travel for Canadians while maintaining its friendly, reliable service model – the core values that have defined the airline since its inception nearly three decades ago.
Keyword: TopAirlines