After much speculation on timelines, the WestJet Group has revealed its planned schedule for merging Sunwing Airlines into WestJet Airlines. All 737s from both carriers will be consolidated under a single air operator certificate (AOC).
WestJet confirmed that the planning and integration activities are well underway, with the intention of completing integration efforts by OCT 2024. Sunwing’s 18 Boeing 737s and 2,000 employees will be folded into the Calgary-based carrier in a “seamless transition.”
WestJet and Sunwing together make up 37% of seat capacity on direct flights to sun destinations and 72% from Western Canada, according to a report from the Competition Bureau last fall.
"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," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, the WestJet Group. "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."
As the proceeding integration of Swoop will be fully completed by 28OCT 2023, the WestJet Group said it will integrate Sunwing Airlines "with the same commitment to delivering a reliable guest and employee experience."
The integration of the air carriers raises the question of the timeline for the tour operating arms. WestJet Group explained that current plans do not impact Sunwing Vacations Group and its associated vacation brands.
As part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing Airlines is also increasing leisure and sun-flying options throughout Canada. As Open Jaw reported, WestJet and Sunwing will offer 230 nonstop routes from 26 Canadian communities to 55 sun destinations in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America this winter.
Sunwing's winter schedule focuses on eastern provinces, with capacity increases of 26% in Atlantic Canada, 15% in Quebec, and nine percent in Ontario compared to 2022.
Sunwing Vacations launched its winter schedule for 2023-2024 with a 15% increase in capacity compared to the previous winter season.
According to Andrew Dawson, COO of Sunwing Travel Group, who spoke to Open Jaw: “For the Tour Operator, the objective is to ensure we maximize synergies and at the same time deliver more great value vacations for guests across Canada. The existing brands (WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations) will be retained as each have very different offerings today in terms of their products, flexibility, and customer journey. Our first real task is very much behind the scenes and that’s to merge each into one common version of TTS so both brands can benefit from the developments each have put in place over the years, and we can cut out unnecessary duplication. Both brands are focused on the retail trade and travel advisors who book either or both of Sunwing or WVI are not likely to see huge differences over the coming winter season. Its going to be more evolution than revolution.”
More information is available on WestJet's website.
