Article from BTNews 1 MAY 2017
WestJet in ULCC plan
The trend to ultra low-cost carriers has spread to Canada, where regional airline WestJet last week said it planned to launch a subsidiary in the country subject to agreement with its pilots and regulatory approvals.
Service is expected to start later this year with an initial fleet of 10 high-density B737-800s designed by the airline that is credited with first bringing low-cost air travel to Canada in 1996.
Co-founder and board chairman Clive Beddoe said: ”We have built WestJet from its low-cost, regional roots into a renowned, international airline with service to 21 countries and today it’s all about disrupting at the price-sensitive end of the market.
“Launching a ULCC will broaden WestJet’s growth opportunities and open new market segments by offering more choice to those Canadians looking for lower fares.”
WestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky added: “The worldview on low-cost airlines has changed since the launch of WestJet in 1996 and we are responding.
“The unbundling of services and products in order to lower fares for the price-sensitive traveller has created the ULCC category; our new airline will give passengers a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record.”
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