Summary
- WestJet Group aims to complete the integration of Sunwing Airlines by October 2024, bringing diversified travel options for travelers.
- The integration activities are progressing since the acquisition in May, with the consolidation of aircraft and the merging of the Sunwing brand under WestJet’s name.
- The completion of Swoop’s integration is expected next month, followed by a focus on the integration of Sunwing Airlines, although the targeted timeline remains flexible due to various stakeholders involved.
The WestJet Group aims to complete the integration of Sunwing Airlines into WestJet Airlines by October 2024. Both airlines are sole operators of the Boeing 737 fleet in the narrowbody type. WestJet plans to align the 737s from both airlines under the same Air Operator Certificate (AOC). As part of the airline’s consolidation plan, WestJet will merge the Sunwing brand under its name.
Diversified travel options for travelers
The integration of the low-cost airlines into Canada’s second-largest carrier, WestJet, is expected to bring diversified business and leisure travel options for travelers. The airline group is committed to growing sun flying across Canada after the merger is complete. This will be possible when the aircraft from both existing airlines are consolidated under the same brand and AOC.
In June, a month after the acquisition was announced by the WestJet Group, the President of Sunwing Airlines, Len Corrado, stated,
The WestJet Group remains committed to growing sun flying in the East alongside expansion plans in Western Canada, and this strategy will only be strengthened as we ultimately transition to a one jet AOC.
Photo: Denver International Airport
The WestJet Group seems to have the integration plan working with the anticipated completion by October next year. Since WestJet Group’s acquisition of Sunwing in May, the integration activities are progressing. The Chief Executive Officer of WestJet Group, Alexis von Hoensbroech, expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming network and business strategy as a result of the merger by stating,
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. 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.
Completion of Swoop’s integration next month
The WestJet Group is continuing the consolidation trend as it shuts down its subsidiary Swoop. In June, WestJet announced that it would dissolve its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) and integrate it with the parent brand. The five-year-old Swoop is expected to be fully integrated into its WestJet by October this year.
Photo: sockagphoto / Shutterstock
After the completion next month, the WestJet group aims to push the throttle on the integration of Sunwing Airlines. The group says the integration activity will not impact the Sunway Vacations Group and other brands that are associated with them.
While the WestJet Group is committed to the October 2024 timeline to complete the integration of Sunwing Airlines, it says that the targeted timeline remains flexible. The group is working closely with various stakeholders, including the Canadian aviation regulatory agency, Transport Canada, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), and labor unions. With multiple entities involved, the targeted date may shift.
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