WestJet Cargo has announced that they have received approval and certification from Transport Canada for their four Boeing 737-800BCFs. WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will now deploy three freighters serving customers across North America.
On Monday (March 20, 2023), WestJet Cargo announced that they have received Transport Canada’s Approval and official certification for their four Boeing 737-800BCFS (Boeing Converted Freighters). Now, WestJet Cargo and GTA Group will expeditiously deploy three dedicated freighters to fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. The fourth freighter will join the fleet later this year following the completion of its conversion.
In Monday’s announcement, WestJet Cargo’s Executive Vice President, Kirsten de Bruijn, said,
“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. 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.
“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.”
Also commenting on the partnership with WestJet Cargo, GTA Group’s Chairman, Mario (Mauro) D’Urso, added,
“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. 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.”
Seamlessly integrating with WestJet Cargo’s existing operations, the dedicated freighters will initially serve Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami. The quick to load and fly Boeing 737-800BCFs are powered by CFM56-7B engines, and will deliver greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequencies from April 22, 2023. WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighter routes will complement the belly-hold capacity of WestJet’s fleet, leveraging the airline’s extensive network.
In 27 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 110 destinations in 24 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/CNW