WestJet
Canadian airline based in Calgary, Alberta / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about WestJet?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
WestJet Airlines, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta,[8] is the second-largest airline in Canada.[9] It began operations in 1996[10] as a low-cost alternative to the country's major airlines.[11] Today, WestJet operates scheduled, charter, and cargo air service, transporting more than 25 million passengers per year.[12] The airline has a significant domestic and international network, which serves over 100 destinations across Canada, United States, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Central America.[13] WestJet has an average of 777[14] flights per day, solidifying its position as the eighth-largest airline in North America by frequency.
| |||||||
Founded | June 27, 1994; 29 years ago (1994-06-27) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Commenced operations | February 29, 1996; 28 years ago (1996-02-29) | ||||||
AOC # | Canada 8993,[2] United States WJ0F768F[3] | ||||||
Hubs | Calgary[4] | ||||||
Focus cities | |||||||
Frequent-flyer program | WestJet Rewards | ||||||
Subsidiaries |
| ||||||
Fleet size | 185 (including subsidiaries)[5] | ||||||
Destinations | 104[6] | ||||||
Parent company | Onex Corporation | ||||||
Headquarters | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | ||||||
Key people | Alexis von Hoensbroech (President & CEO) | ||||||
Revenue | CAN$4.733 billion (2018) | ||||||
Operating income | CAN$155 million (2018) | ||||||
Net income | CAN$91 million (2018) | ||||||
Total assets | CAN$6.758 billion (2018) | ||||||
Total equity | CAN$2.302 billion (2018) | ||||||
Employees | 12,000 (January 2024)[7] | ||||||
Website | westjet.com |
In May 2023, WestJet expanded its reach further with the acquisition of Sunwing,[15] a Canadian leisure airline. This integration is expected to be completed by October 2024, bringing Sunwing's staff and aircraft under the WestJet banner.[16]
WestJet's fleet primarily consists of Boeing 737 aircraft (Next Generation and MAX families), and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.[17] The 737 is well-suited for its extensive list of short and medium-haul routes, while the 787 is mainly used for its long-haul flights, with some exceptions.[18]
WestJet has two direct subsidiaries: WestJet Encore,[19] which operates the Bombardier Q400; and WestJet Link,[20] which operates the Saab 340B through a seat capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines.
In December 2019, WestJet Airlines was acquired by Kestrel Bidco Inc., a subsidiary of Onex Corporation. This acquisition resulted in WestJet transitioning from a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "WJA" to a private company.[21]
WestJet is not a member of any major airline alliances,[22] such as Star Alliance or Oneworld. However, it utilizes codeshare and interline agreements with various airlines. These agreements allow WestJet to place its flight code on flights operated by other airlines, and vice versa.[23]