Canadian airline WestJet has revealed its plan to introduce a new ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in order to provide no-frills, affordable travel options to the travellers.
Scheduled to become operational later this year, the ULCC will initially operate a fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have been reconfigured to accommodate more seats and passengers.
Formation of the proposed carrier is subject to agreement with the WestJet pilots and necessary regulatory approvals.
WestJet co-founder Clive Beddoe said: “We have built WestJet from its low-cost, regional roots into a renowned, international airline with service to 21 countries and today it's all about disrupting at the price-sensitive end of the market.
“Launching a ULCC will broaden WestJet's growth opportunities and open new market segments by offering more choice to those Canadians looking for lower fares.”
WestJet and its regional airline WestJet Encore currently provide scheduled services to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe.
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By GlobalDataWestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky said: “The worldview on low-cost airlines has changed since the launch of WestJet in 1996 and we are responding.
“The complete unbundling of services and products in order to lower fares for the price-sensitive traveller has created the ULCC category, and our new airline will provide Canadians a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record.”
Last December, WestJet received approval from its 1,380 pilots in support of the company's plans to expand wide-body operations.
