WestJet has today announced a long-term partnership with GTA Group to support the expansion of domestic cargo opportunities in Canada. WestJet will operate four dedicated 737-800NG Freighters from their Toronto hub to fulfill overnight express cargo demand.
Today (March 21, 2022), WestJet Cargo announced an expanded long-term partnership with the GTA Group, a diversified Toronto-based aviation services company, to better serve Canada’s express cargo market. Under the partnership, WestJet will operate four dedicated Boeing 737-800NG Freighters from their Toronto hub to fulfill overnight express cargo demand. Founded in 2001, the GTA Group’s diverse services include ground service equipment (GSE) maintenance, rental and sales to ground and cargo handling, and e-commerce and cargo sales.
In Monday’s announcment, WestJet’s Vice President of Cargo and President of Swoop, Charles Duncan, said,
“This partnership is building on proven success between WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group. WestJet Cargo will bring customers new competitive options, and together with GTA we will disrupt the industry, providing more air freight capacity to domestic cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are eager to see these freighters take flight as we plan ahead to best serve Canadians and their business needs.”
Also commenting on the expanded partnership, GTA Group’s Chairman, Mario D’Urso, said,
“This is an exciting opportunity for our organization. We are thrilled to partner with WestJet and confident that, together, we will offer the Canadian market a new alternative shipping option to meet the demands of this rapidly growing, expanding, and demanding market.”
WestJet’s 737-800NG Freighters are well suited for overnight freight operations, offering increased fuel-efficiency, flexibility and frequencies, as well as rapid turnaround times, providing a competitive cost advantage. Additionally, WestJet will continue to support the GTA Group with WestJet’s existing cargo business and belly-hold capacity of their commercial passenger fleet.
With over 25 years of service, WestJet has cut airfares for Canadians in half and increased the flying population around Canada by over 50 percent. The airline launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, and has now grown to more than 180 aircraft and 14,000 employees, offering service to 100 destinations in 23 countries (pre-pandemic). Even during the pandemic, WestJet maintained their rating by Cirium as one of the top ten airlines for on-time performance in North America.
Source: WestJet
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