WestJet is a Canadian airline headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. It is the second-largest Canadian airline, operating scheduled and charter services to over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
History WestJet was founded in 1996 by Clive Beddoe, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan, and Donald Bell. Initially conceived as a low-cost alternative to Canada's dominant airlines, Air Canada and Canadian Airlines, it began operations with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving five Western Canadian cities. The airline adopted a no-frills model, focusing on efficiency and lower fares. It quickly expanded its network across Canada, becoming a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 1999.
Throughout the 2000s, WestJet gradually expanded its fleet and introduced new services, including in-flight entertainment and a frequent flyer program. In 2013, it launched WestJet Encore, a regional airline subsidiary operating propeller aircraft, to serve smaller communities and feeder routes. This was followed by the introduction of wide-body Boeing 767 aircraft for transatlantic service and later Boeing 787 Dreamliners, signaling a move towards a more full-service, long-haul offering. In 2017, WestJet announced Swoop, an ultra-low-cost carrier subsidiary, which began operations in 2018 but was later integrated into WestJet's main operations in 2023.
In 2019, WestJet was acquired by Onex Corporation, a Canadian private equity firm, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately C$5 billion, taking the airline private.
Operations and Fleet WestJet operates a diverse fleet primarily consisting of Boeing 737 Next Generation and MAX series aircraft for its mainline domestic, transborder, and international short-to-medium-haul routes. For long-haul international routes, particularly to Europe, it utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
WestJet Encore, its regional subsidiary, operates De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 turboprop aircraft, primarily serving smaller cities and connecting passengers to the mainline network.
WestJet Link is a brand under which regional flights are operated by Pacific Coastal Airlines, using Saab 340B aircraft, to provide feeder services to WestJet's hubs.
The airline's main operational hubs are Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), with focus cities including Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG).
Services WestJet offers different classes of service, including Economy, Premium, and Business (on its Boeing 787 aircraft). Its frequent flyer program, WestJet Rewards, allows members to earn and redeem WestJet Dollars on flights and vacation packages. The airline also operates WestJet Vacations, offering package holidays.
Corporate Affairs WestJet's corporate headquarters are located adjacent to Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alberta. As a private company since 2019, its financial details are no longer publicly disclosed. The airline has been recognized for its corporate culture and customer service over its history.