WestJet Cargo says that it has received Transport Canada's approval and official certification of its four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF).
"Today is a long-awaited milestone for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group, that will now enable us to disrupt the air cargo industry in Canada by providing our customers with more choice, competitive prices and the exemplary customer service synonymous with the WestJet brand, but unique to the air cargo industry," said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. "We thank Transport Canada for its dedication to certifying these aircraft, which will serve to better support Canada's national transportation supply chain through increased competition and capacity within Canada's air cargo market."
Three of the freighters will be pressed into service beginning 22APR, 2023 as dedicated aircraft for large-scale cargo shipping across North America, WestJet says. The dedicated freighters will initially serve Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami. Leveraging its quick to load and fly narrow body aircraft, the 737-800 equipped with CFM56-7B engines will enable WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for its customers.
The fourth of WestJet Cargo's dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion.
WestJet Cargo's dedicated freighter routes will further connect to the bellies of WestJet's fleet, serving to accommodate the diverse needs of cargo customers in leveraging the airline's network.
"Today's announcement was made possible by our incredibly talented team of cargo experts and the GTA Group, our valued partner, who have worked diligently towards this achievement that brings WestJet Cargo one step closer to fulfilling our mission to bring competitive cost advantages and reliable on-time performance to Canada's underserved cargo landscape," continued de Bruijn.
"Today is an exciting day for the GTA Group as we celebrate this highly anticipated moment that will bring our partnership with WestJet Cargo to new heights," said Mario (Mauro) D'Urso, Chairman of the GTA Group of Companies. "Through the capacity of these four dedicated freighters, we are now in an excellent position to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Canadian cargo market."
WestJet Cargo freighter bookings will be made available on 01APR, 2023.
More information is available at WestJet Cargo's web site.
