To better serve Canada, WestJet Cargo is launching a new dedicated cargo service using 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). The carrier expects the first of their 737-800BCFs to enter service by the second quarter of 2022.
On Wednesday (June 23, 2021), WestJet announced the launch of a new dedicated cargo service to better serve the needs of Canadian businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. To meet the growing demand, the carrier will add Boeing 737-800 BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighters) to their fleet, the first of which are expected to enter service by the second quarter of 2022. Throughout 2022, WestJet Cargo will grow their fleet of 737-800BCFs, complementing WestJet’s existing cargo business.
In today’s announcement, WestJet’s Executive Vice President – Cargo, and Swoop President, Charles Duncan, said,
“Our new dedicated commercial cargo aircraft are a natural evolution of the competitive guest services WestJet has successfully provided over our 25-year history. It will provide cargo customers with the reliable on-time performance and competitive cost advantage synonymous with WestJet. WestJet Cargo will enhance economic benefits through competitive product for shippers as well as new employment opportunities. Dedicated, cost efficient and nimble narrow body freighters will make WestJet Cargo a dynamic and strong competitor.”
WestJet Cargo’s new 737-800BCF narrow body aircraft will be easy to load and fly, while offering greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for customers.
Also commenting on the WestJet Cargo’s launch of dedicated freighters, WestJet’s President and CEO, Ed Sims, added,
“Since our inception, 25 years ago, our collective goal at WestJet has been to provide competitive prices and superior service levels. As we launch our dedicated cargo service, into a market that maintains an even greater need for competitive choice than what we saw in 1996, it is our commitment to provide customers with more choice, decreased costs and exceptional customer service.”
Celebrating 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 these unprecedented times, the carrier has maintained their rating by Cirium as one of the top ten airlines for on-time performance in North America.
Source: WestJet