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Category: Sunwing

  • WestJet celebrates addition of flights to Mexico from Vancouver

    Airline brings more sun and leisure connections to B.C.’s Lower Mainland

    VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated an expansion to its winter schedule serving British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, further enhancing its sun and leisure connectivity from Vancouver International Airport to some of Mexico’s most popular destinations. Additionally, as part of its connectivity to Mexico, WestJet has added weekly non-stop service between Vancouver and Ixtapa.

    “We are thrilled to bring more opportunity for our guests across B.C.’s Lower Mainland to seamlessly connect to their favourite destinations across Mexico this winter,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development. “In alignment with our strategy, we are proud to add Vancouver to the list of Canadian communities through which we are creating extensive and affordable opportunities for our guests to plan their winter getaways.”

    Network details

    RouteFrequencyStart Date
    Vancouver – Cancun9x weeklyYear round
    Vancouver – Los Cabos11x weeklyYear round
    Vancouver – Ixtapa1x weeklyFriday, December 22
    Vancouver – Puerto Vallarta9x weeklyYear round 
    Vancouver – Mazatlán2x weeklyFriday, November 3
    Vancouver – Huatulco4x weeklySunday, October 29

    With a 14 per cent increase to its capacity serving Mexico from Vancouver International Airport this winter, the airline will provide the most seats connecting Vancouver to Mexico than any other airline.

    Further enhancing its sun and leisure connectivity from the Lower Mainland region, WestJet’s network expansion also brings increased sun flying options from Abbotsford this winter.

    RouteFrequencyStart date
    Abbotsford – Puerto Vallarta2x weeklyTuesday, December 5
    Abbotsford – Los Cabos1x weeklyMonday, December 4

    WestJet Group capacity

    In addition to WestJet’s new sun connections serving the Lower Mainland, Sunwing Airlines, as a new but integral part of the WestJet Group, is further strengthening the regions leisure travel opportunities with an extensive winter schedule serving Vancouver International Airport. Learn more about Sunwing’s winter schedule. 

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

  • Sunwing unveils its 2023-2024 winter schedule featuring service from 23 Canadian airports to 26 sun destinations, bringing more vacation options to Canadians

    Amid continued demand for sun travel, Sunwing’s capacity grows by 15% over last winter season

    TORONTO, July 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amid strong, continued demand for leisure travel to sun destinations, Sunwing Vacations is unveiling its 2023-2024 winter schedule featuring flights on board Sunwing Airlines from 23 airports from coast to coast to 26 sun destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the U.S. Notably, Sunwing’s overall capacity is growing by 15% over the previous winter season, including more travel options to the customer favourite destinations of Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Orlando, Florida. What’s more, Sunwing will be servicing Canadians with packages to over 700 hotels, the largest assortment of any vacation provider in Canada.

    New for this winter season are packages to the Cuban destinations of Cienfuegos along with Manzanillo de Cuba. Sunwing customers have a deeply rooted affinity for Cuba, due to its combination of beautiful beaches, rich history and unbeatable price points on vacation packages. This winter, customers travelling from Toronto and Montreal can look forward to booking winter escapes to these two sun destinations.

    Canadians can expect a sizeable expansion in vacation options for destinations in Pacific Mexico, including Los Cabos, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, and more options for travel to Puerto Plata, located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.

    “As the leading vacation provider in Canada, we’re thrilled to deliver more vacation packages and flights to Canadians this winter season, including furthering our commitment to servicing our customers in key regions such as Atlantic Canada and the Prairies,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations. “We are growing capacity from last winter and thrilled to be returning to pre-pandemic travel levels, with more great packages and affordable travel options available to our valued customers this winter, including Cienfuegos and Manzanillo de Cuba which are new for this year, in addition to offering more flights to key areas within Pacific Mexico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Orlando in Florida. With our ongoing commitment to offering competitive pricing on sun packages, we encourage our customers to book their winter getaways early to unlock the most value on their preferred travel dates and to their destinations of choice.”

    Additional highlights from Sunwing’s winter lineup:

    • 23% growth in capacity for Cuba, supplemented by a marked expansion in flight service to Cayo Largo along with the new additions of Cienfuegos and Manzanillo de Cuba
    • 26% growth in overall capacity for Atlantic Canada, including a significant lift (more than 30%) in each of Fredericton, Halifax and Gander
    • 24% growth in overall capacity in Western Canada and the Prairies combined, including more flight service from Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, regions where Sunwing has a longstanding presence and continued commitment to providing its customers with affordable sun vacations
    • Sunwing Airlines is also ramping up its recruitment efforts, hiring for pilots and seasonal cabin crew positions across the country for the upcoming winter season

    Sunwing customers can lock in great savings on their dream winter escapes by booking on Sunwing.ca or through their local travel agent. Plus, customers can look forward to the Sunwing Guarantee on their vacation packages, which includes the first bag checked for free (a value of $100-plus roundtrip), complimentary airport transfers in destination for packages with flights on Sunwing Airlines, exclusive resort perks and extras, and more!

    About Sunwing Vacations

    As the leading tour operator in Canada, Sunwing Vacations has more vacation packages to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our knowledgeable destination management partner, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • The WestJet Group bolsters commitment to accessible air and leisure travel through integration of Sunwing Airlines and Swoop

    Tour operator Sunwing Vacations to continue its independent operation, joining forces with WestJet Vacations to offer most affordable packaged tours to Canadians

    CALGARY, AB, June 19, 2023 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today confirmed future plans to provide reliable and affordable travel to a broader spectrum of guests and communities across Canada and beyond, through combining the best of every airline across the WestJet Group, including Sunwing Airlines and Swoop into one product offering.

    “We are confident that the future integration of Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group, following that of our ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop will significantly enhance our ability to provide affordability and choice to our guests,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. “The integration of all jets from Sunwing Airlines, Swoop and WestJet into one fleet will provide us with the scale to enhance our collective operational resilience, while offering more affordable fares and vacation opportunities across our entire network.”

    While the integration of Swoop is anticipated to conclude by the end of October 2023, Sunwing Airlines will not start integrating before 2024 and remains business as usual at this time. 

    The tour operator business, Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations together will form the leading tour operator in Canada and will continue to operate independently under their existing and respective brands, as integral parts of the WestJet Group. As a result, both Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations will significantly expand vacation offerings to even more communities across its extensive network as well as offering affordable vacation packages from communities in Canada on a year-round basis, which were previously seasonal.

    Furthermore, through leveraging the ultra-low fare products pioneered by Swoop and affordable vacation packages offered by Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group will begin providing ultra-affordable fares and increased affordable vacation packages across Canada through the entirety of its 180 aircraft.

    “Competition amongst air carriers in Canada has never been healthier and after a challenging three years, aviation is back, with passenger traffic doubling in Canada since March 2022,” continued von Hoensbroech. “As the strongest airline in Western Canada and the biggest vacation provider across the entire country – the integration of Swoop and eventually Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group will enhance affordability and serve to increase choice for Canadians for their air travel and vacation plans.”

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

  • Sunwing proves sequels can still top the charts with the return of its second annual Sun Week, bringing more incredible savings, contests and epic giveaways this summer

    Customers can book during the tour operator’s biggest event of the year for their chance to win

    TORONTO, May 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunwing customers can look forward to the seven hottest days of summer as the tour operator brings back Sun Week, a weeklong extravaganza of big deals, big contests and an even bigger grand prize. Kicking off May 29, 2023 until June 4, 2023, Canadians can book their hard-earned summer getaways with Sunwing to the southern destinations they love, from Cancun to Cayo Largo, Punta Cana, Montego Bay and more, and enjoy additional savings up to 50% per person* on applicable all inclusive vacation packages.

    Following Sun Week’s inaugural success, Sunwing has doubled down to make an even bigger splash this summer. Whether toying with the idea of a last-minute getaway or planning ahead for that end-of-summer escape, customers who purchase a vacation package or flight only during Sun Week will also be entered to win one of 33 exclusive prizes expertly designed to help them find their feelgood in paradise with Sunwing. Customers will have the chance to win gift cards from Sunwing, Vanilla Visa, Indigo, Walmart and SkipTheDishes, each worth $250 in value, in addition to five pre-paid vouchers for an exhilarating NexusTours excursion and two complimentary vacation packages for two to Punta Cana and Cayo Largo. With every contest comes an epic grand prize and this Sun Week, the tour operator is upping the ante with the giveaway of three free all inclusive vacations to one lucky winner.

    “We’re thrilled to be back this summer with Sun Week, our biggest event of the year with limited-time savings and incredible giveaways our customers definitely won’t want to miss,” says Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunwing. “In addition to exclusive Sunwing vacation package perks, like the first checked bag free, we’re excited to gear up for the feel-good contest of the summer and help our customers experience more resorts that won’t break their budget, have more fun right on site and find more adventure in the destinations they love, like Cancun, all while having the chance to win and get the most out of their summer with Sunwing.”

    Canadians are encouraged to look beyond their local watering holes this season and consider a summer getaway to the tropics instead with a wide selection of sought-after hotels and destinations suitable for every price point. Budget-friendly travellers with a focus on mindfulness will adore the picturesque location and serene atmosphere of Cayo Largo, with vacation packages available at the family-friendly Memories Cayo Largo and Starfish Cayo Largo. Those in search of day-to-night excitement, both on and off property, will love Cancun’s variety of hotels with tons of on-site programming and easy access to local attractions and adventure nearby, like Iberostar Paraiso Beach or Sandos Caracol Eco Resort.

    Sunwing’s second annual Sun Week is live from May 29, 2023 until June 4, 2023 and open to legal residents of Canada. Savings apply to bookings made on applicable packages during this time period, for travel between May 29, 2023 and December 17, 2023. Every customer who books a vacation package or flight only within these dates will automatically receive ten contest entries while non-purchasing customers, also eligible to enter for Sunwing’s Sun Week, are limited to one entry per day and must complete a contest form found on Sunwing.ca*. Contest winners will be announced on June 22, 2023.

    Beyond Sunwing’s epic seven-day summer giveaway event, the tour operator helps make customers’ vacation dreams come true year-round with added perks they can feel good about, including their first checked bag free at a value of $100+ roundtrip, roundtrip transportation in destination* and unbeatable rates on change and cancellation protection.

    *Terms and conditions apply.

    About Sunwing

    The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • Sunwing and Hyatt Inclusive Collection deliver the vacation goods this summer with the chance to win an all inclusive getaway to Mexico

    Plus, Canadians can book their dream vacation package at an attractive price with reduced rates for May

    TORONTO, May 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This May, Sunwing customers can experience what sweet dreams are made of with Hyatt Inclusive Collection in stunning destinations beloved for years, from the ever-so-popular Cancun to Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Costa Rica’s biodiverse landscapes and beyond. Whether tapping into their spontaneous spirit or planning ahead for their future getaway that can’t come soon enough, Sunwing inspires Canadians to dream to win this May with exciting booking incentives that sweeten the deal.

    In addition to limited-time rate reductions on family-friendly and adults only resorts in sought-after tropical destinations, travellers who purchase a Hyatt Inclusive Collection vacation package at select Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas properties by May 31, 2023, for departures by December 15, 2023, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a free seven-night all inclusive getaway for two at Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club in the heart of Tulum. Non-purchasing customers are also eligible but limited to one entry during the contest period and must complete a contest form on Sunwing.ca*. This boho-style resort, reflective of Tulum’s natural elements, is the perfect place to unwind with a range of adults only amenities that add to its serene ambience, from the lazy river to its cenote-style pool, luxurious on-site spa, exclusive dining experiences and more.

    Hyatt Inclusive Collection offers Canadian travellers immersive, elevated experiences that turn moments into lifetime memories, plus Unlimited-Luxury® vacations that cater to every need. With Sunwing, customers can look forward to the true meaning of hospitality at Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas, best-in-class brands where lavish amenities, reservation-free dining at gourmet restaurants, exclusive Preferred Club room categories and more thoughtful touches await guests of all ages.

    Paired with the exciting month-long incentives from Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Canadians can enjoy more perks and more value when travelling with Sunwing, including their first checked bag free at a value of $100+ roundtrip. The Sunwing Guarantee also includes transportation from the airport to the hotel and back and the lowest price on change and cancellation protection with Sunwing’s Worry Free coverage options.

    For more information or to find your feelgood on a Hyatt Inclusive Collections escape, visit www.sunwing.ca or contact a travel agent to take advantage of great rates and the chance to win a stay in paradise.

    About Sunwing

    The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • WestJet Group completes acquisition of Sunwing

    Transaction signals bright future for WestJet Group’s ambitious growth strategy and creates new opportunities for leisure and sun travel across Canada
    WestJet Group and Sunwing to maintain independent operations, while working collaboratively to combine complementary strategies for a gradual and effective transition

    CALGARY, AB, May 1, 2023 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. The transaction, originally announced in March 2022, combines the two Canadian aviation and leisure travel success stories, and will bring greater choice, competitive airfares and increased direct access to sun destinations to Canadian travellers. In addition, it positions Sunwing to continue its growth across Canada and permits the newly merged company to protect jobs.

    Initially, the airlines will continue independent operations, maintaining a sharp focus on providing an exceptional guest experience and ensuring safe operations. As the two entities transition from competitors to collaborators, the combination of these businesses will be planned in a way that positions Sunwing as an instrumental pillar of the WestJet Group, and prioritizes the experience of a growing number of guests.  

    “As we have set out on our new strategic trajectory for the WestJet Group, investing further in leisure and sun flying across Canada is a critical driver for growth,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. “It brings me great pleasure to welcome Sunwing to the group, adding 18 Boeing 737s, 2,000 employees and Canada’s largest vacation tour operator and significantly expanding our footprint in Eastern Canada. Together, we will strategically enhance our sun and leisure offerings to bring even more affordable and accessible travel opportunities to Canadians.” 

    Stephen Hunter, formerly the CEO of Sunwing Vacations, has been appointed CEO of the WestJet Group’s Vacations Business, responsible for all tour operating and vacation package businesses of both the Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations brands.

    “The combination of our complementary businesses marks an important milestone that will enable us to fast-track our growth plans and provide Canadians with more affordable vacations to more destinations than ever before,” said Stephen Hunter, CEO of the WestJet Group’s Vacations Business. “I am thrilled to join forces with WestJet and, in doing so, create even more opportunities for our people and deliver greater value for Canadian travellers.”

    As previously announced, the WestJet Group’s newly combined tour operator businesses, comprised of WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, will be headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and will continue to operate a Montreal office. In the coming years, the Vacations Business expects to facilitate new flying and new employment opportunities by retaining Sunwing’s aircraft in Canada year-round, among other sources of anticipated growth.

    “We are excited to welcome Sunwing’s employees to the WestJet Group of Companies; throughout the planning of this transaction, we have been continually impressed by their expertise and experience in the vacations industry,” concluded von Hoensbroech.” We look forward to working alongside them to deliver memorable services to an expanding number of Canadians.”

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  
    Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet  
    Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet and twitter.com/WestJetNews 
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    Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet  
    Read the WestJet Newsroom at westjet.com/en-ca/news  

    About Sunwing

    The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • New research reveals 71% of Canadian travellers’ fondest vacation memories are from adulthood, with travel inspiring wanderlust, fostering personal growth and creating shared moments with loved ones

    TORONTO, April 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new Sunwing survey on Canadians’ travel preferences and most memorable vacation experiences has uncovered that seven-in-ten (71%) respondents’ fondest vacation or travel memory was from a past or recent vacation as an adult. This is compared to one-in-six (16%) who said their fondest memory is from a childhood trip and one-in-eight (13%) who said their favourite memory was from a trip as a teenager.

    When it comes to the lasting impact that vacation had on them, half (51%) of respondents said it helped them get closer to and share experiences with friends or family members, while 55% said it made them more eager to explore more destinations or parts of the world. Nearly two-in-five (37%) respondents said it helped them learn about a new culture or language, with another third (34%) saying it helped them grow as a person. A similar proportion (36%) said it gave them a more positive outlook on life. The survey was conducted by Sunwing, in both English and French, between March 28-30, 2023 with a nationally representative sample of 1,509 Canadians.

    “Our research highlights the growing importance Canadians place on travel for creating lasting memories and cultivating deeper bonds with their loved ones,” said Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer for Sunwing Travel Group. “Going on vacation also helps inspire a feeling of wanderlust, encouraging Canadians to travel more and explore more destinations in future. At Sunwing we’re all about making vacation dreams come true and, with an assortment of over 700 resorts offered across 30-plus destinations, there are no shortage of beach escapes to experience this summer. Whether looking to relax on the beach, indulge in a romantic retreat or plan action-packed excursions, when booking with Sunwing more Canadians can create feel-good experiences in destination and vacation memories to last a lifetime.”

    Additional survey insights:

    • Three-in-five (59%) Canadians say it’s likely they’ll travel internationally in the next year, rising to two-thirds (66%) in British Columbia.
    • Among those looking to travel internationally, about three-in-ten (31%) plan on doing so within the next three months.
    • Approximately two-thirds (63%) of prospective international travellers intend to plan an upcoming trip to a sun destination in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or the U.S.
    • Respondents aged 35-54 are most likely to travel to a sun destination (71%) followed closely by those aged 18-34 (65%).
    • Among those who have travelled to a sun destination before, respondents made the most of their vacation by relaxing on the beach or by the pool (73%), trying out new activities or going on guided excursions (56%), taking in the local culture (55%) and trying out local dining experiences (52%).         

    Canadians longing to make new vacation memories and feel-good moments in paradise can enjoy great rates on all inclusive packages during Sunwing’s Summer Starts Now promotion, including under $999 deals on vacation packages to Cuba. Customers can secure incredible prices on tropical escapes booked by April 30, 2023 for travel by August 31, 2023. Plus, with the Sunwing Guarantee*, customers receive more perks when they book an all inclusive vacation with Sunwing, including the first checked bag free (a value of $100+ roundtrip), hotel transfers included for a seamless experience, and the lowest price on change and cancellation protection with Sunwing’s Worry Free coverage options.

    *Terms and conditions apply.

    About the survey

    These are the findings of a study conducted by Sunwing from March 28-30, 2023 among a nationally representative sample of n=1,509 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted on age, gender, region and education. For comparison purposes only, a sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The survey was offered in both English and French.

    About Sunwing

    The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

  • Aviation expert breaks down approved WestJet-Sunwing deal: What’s next?

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  • Ottawa airport cuts ties with Sunwing, Flair ground crews

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  • With Sunwing acquisition approved, WestJet must ensure its plan will benefit workers, customers

    TORONTO, March 10, 2023 /CNW/ – With the simultaneous decisions from the Competition Bureau and Transport Canada’s public interest review approving WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing, Unifor remains steadfast that the acquisition must result in increased job quality for workers at Sunwing and WestJet.  

    Westjet and Sunwing planes. (CNW Group/Unifor)
    Westjet and Sunwing planes. (CNW Group/Unifor)

    “The conditions placed on this sale do not address our very serious concerns or the worries of our members. There is just no meat on the bones here. There aren’t any specifics on how the company will execute these conditions or how government will enforce the conditions to ensure they are met,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

    “In order to guarantee consistent high-quality service for customers, WestJet and Sunwing must ensure the existing collective agreements are respected, end their practice of contract flipping to reduce labour costs and start paying a living wage. Without these actions, the acquisition will not solve the underlying problems of the industry.”

    WestJet and Sunwing announced the deal, subject to regulatory approval, on March 2, 2022, with the promise of lower prices for consumers and crew optimization for workers.

    Unifor filed a public interest submission to Transport Canada in July 2022, outlining its concerns, recommending the Canadian government ought to block the acquisition unless WestJet can guarantee job creation, investment in workers across the company to improve job quality and customer experience, and respect and accept existing collective agreements.

    The union is calling on government to create a tri-partite committee including labour, government and the company to oversee the implementation of these conditions, ensuring accountability and follow-through.

    “Given the chaos at Sunwing during the holiday travel season, this approval was almost inevitable. It’s unfortunate to see government hasn’t used the opportunity presented to flex its muscle and require conditions that will improve industry dynamics,” added Payne.

    The aviation sector is struggling to attract and keep workers right now. Low wages, unpredictable hours, on-the-job harassment and contract flipping are all challenges workers in the industry are facing.

    WestJet will have more work to do to improve job quality and attract more desperately needed workers to the industry.

    “We’ve seen what happens when there’s no long-term plan to attract and retain workers in the industry,” said Leslie Dias, Unifor’s Director of Airlines. “We need the government to leverage the power it has, including through these conditions, to increase job quality and set the industry on a more resilient and sustainable course.”

    Unifor represents 16,000 members across Canada in the aviation sector, including nearly 2,000 directly affected by the potential acquisition of Sunwing by WestJet, including 450 Sunwing pilots, 1,000 WestJet customer service representatives in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.

    It also has 550 members who work for Swissport, a contract company doing work for Sunwing in Vancouver and Toronto and 41 members at ATS, who perform work contracted by WestJet.

    Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad and strives to create progressive change for a better future.