CALGARY, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CUPE 8125, representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, announced the results of their members’ vote on strike action after months at the bargaining table. With a strong turnout of 97.3% of the members, over 99.4% voted to give their bargaining team strike authorization.
Following a 21-day cooling-off period, cabin crew could go on strike as early as August 2, 2026.
CUPE 8125 emphasized that, from the beginning, its goal has been to achieve a negotiated agreement and minimize any impact on travellers. Due to stalled negotiations with WestJet, this strike vote became necessary to move the process forward at the bargaining table.
Alia Hussain, CUPE 8125 President, called on WestJet to return to bargaining with a new focus. “The members of CUPE 8125 are united and determined. They voted to strike because they stand behind the bargaining priorities that they have identified, especially pay for all hours of work performed. WestJet should do the right thing and prevent travel disruptions for their passengers.”
Airline builds momentum with industry-leading on-time performance and global top 10 ranking alongside completion of the Boeing 737 aircraft retrofit
CALGARY, AB, July 10, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet is celebrating another milestone in operational excellence, securing a place among the world’s most on-time airlines for the second month in a row. Earning back-to-back accolades in the Cirium On-Time Performance Report, WestJet is the most on-time airline in North America for the month of June and the entirety of Q2, a new record milestone. In addition to this important accomplishment, WestJet was recognized as the 6th most on-time airline amongst all major global airlines.
WestJet leads North America in on-time performance for the second month in a row
“Leading North America in on-time performance for all of Q2 is a testament to the focus and commitment of WestJetters across our operation,” said Safa Yamach, WestJet Vice-President, Operations Planning & Performance. “While these rankings are an important benchmark, what matters most is what they represent for our guests: a more reliable travel experience. From investing in our systems and processes to completing major fleet initiatives ahead of schedule, WestJetters are building a stronger, more resilient operation that is delivering measurable results.”
WestJet completed nearly 17,000 flights in June, with 86.4 per cent arriving on time – almost four percentage points ahead of the next highest-ranked North American carrier. Combined with a completion factor of 99.43 per cent, the results demonstrate a consistently reliable operation. WestJet’s June results cap a strong quarter for the airline, with on-time performance steadily improving throughout the spring.
WestJet completes 180-seat retrofit ahead of schedule
In addition to executing another exceptional on-time schedule, WestJet’s operations teams completed the retrofit of its remaining Boeing 737 aircraft (previously configured with 180 seats) ahead of schedule. The project, which was carefully coordinated alongside WestJet’s busy spring flying schedule, standardized the airline’s narrowbody fleet, reducing complexity in day-to-day operations. Completing the retrofit ahead of the peak summer travel season positions the airline to deliver a more consistent guest experience while supporting operational reliability and on-time performance. The retrofit project was originally planned to be completed this fall; however, WestJet proudly wrapped up the project part-way through June.
About WestJet
Since 1996, WestJet has been on a mission to make the skies a little more accessible — and a lot more enjoyable. A proudly Canadian airline headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, WestJet connects guests to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and some of the world’s most sought-after getaways, with nearly 200 aircraft and more than 100 routes to choose from.
With a team of more than 15,000 WestJetters, we’ve helped reshape what flying in Canada looks like — reducing airfares in half and welcoming more Canadians into the air. That’s not just good business. That’s a lot of happy travellers.
The WestJet Group — which includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations — is Canada’s leading value airline and largest vacation provider. We’re focused on getting you there reliably, affordably and with the kind of care that makes the journey just as good as the destination. We’re always growing our network, investing in technology and finding new ways to make travel feel like it was made just for you. Learn more at westjet.com.
CALGARY, AB–(BUSINESS WIRE)–WestJet Mainline flight attendants, represented by CUPE 8125, officially opened a strike vote today that will continue until July 15, 2026. The union is seeking a strong mandate from members to support its position at the bargaining table as negotiations continue under federal conciliation until July 11.
“Our goal remains the same as it has been from the beginning: to reach a fair, negotiated, collective agreement,” said Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125. “A strong strike mandate demonstrates that our members are united behind their bargaining committee and committed to achieving meaningful improvements.”
The union continues to negotiate key issues, including wages, compensation, scheduling, work-life balance, and other workplace improvements identified by members throughout the bargaining process.
A strike vote does not mean a strike will occur. It provides members with the opportunity to authorize strike action should it become necessary at a later stage of the bargaining process, while strengthening the bargaining committee’s position in negotiations.
“We are committed to reaching a negotiated settlement,” Hussain added. “We believe the best outcome is one achieved at the bargaining table, and we remain focused on securing an agreement that recognizes the value of the work WestJet flight attendants perform every day.”
The results of the strike vote will be released by CUPE 8125 following the close of voting on July 15. The earliest date a legal strike or employer lockout could occur is August 2, 2026.
Calgary, AB–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As conciliation between WestJet and CUPE 8125, the union representing WestJet flight attendants, approaches its conclusion, the local is calling on the federal government to respect the collective bargaining process and refrain from unnecessary intervention under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.
Section 107 was intended to address exceptional circumstances under the Canada Labour Code. However, its increasing use in federally regulated labour disputes has raised serious concerns throughout the labour movement about government interference in the collective bargaining process.
Those concerns intensified last summer when the federal government used Section 107 during the Air Canada flight attendants’ labour dispute, preventing workers from exercising their full bargaining rights and referring the matter to the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Many unions viewed that intervention as a troubling precedent that risks undermining confidence in free and fair collective bargaining.
“Collective bargaining and the right to strike are protected rights in Canada,” said Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125. “When governments intervene before parties have had the opportunity to fully exercise those rights, it risks altering the balance that is essential to meaningful negotiations.”
CUPE 8125 believes this issue extends far beyond WestJet. The growing willingness of governments to intervene in federally regulated disputes affects not only workers bargaining today, but every worker and union that will bargain in the future. The integrity of the collective bargaining process depends on both employers and governments respecting the rights that workers have fought for and that Canadian courts have repeatedly affirmed.
While the union remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement, significant issues remain unresolved as conciliation approaches its conclusion. If an agreement is not reached and the statutory process under the Canada Labour Code is exhausted, WestJet flight attendants could be in a legal strike position in the first few days of August.
CUPE 8125 is calling on both WestJet and the federal government to commit to allowing the collective bargaining process to proceed as intended and to provide every opportunity for the parties to reach a negotiated agreement at the bargaining table.
Only Canadian airline in global top 10 as operational gains deliver stronger reliability for guests
CALGARY, AB, June 24, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet is celebrating a major milestone in operational excellence, earning a place among the world’s most on-time airlines in the latest Cirium On-Time Performance Report. Operating nearly 86 per cent of all flights in May on time, WestJet ranked first in North America, seventh globally and was the only Canadian carrier in the top 10.
“From our frontline leaders and teams to our partners and supporting functions, this level of performance doesn’t happen by chance: it’s the result of a shared commitment to operational reliability and continuous improvement,” said Safa Yamach, WestJet Vice-President, Operations Planning & Performance. “WestJetters have worked hard to strengthen our operation, and we’re seeing that translate into more consistent on-time performance, smoother guest journeys and a better overall travel experience. We’re proud of this milestone and look forward to building on the momentum so we can continue to raise the bar.”
In May, all key operational metrics WestJet tracks improved year-over-year, underscoring continued progress toward delivering smoother day-of-travel experiences for both guests and WestJetters. Notably, aircraft turnaround performance achieved a double-digit increase, reflecting the disciplined execution and strong focus of frontline teams. WestJet also maintained consistent operations across its network, operating an average of 560 flights per day and achieving seven zero-cancellation days throughout the month.
The recognition and accomplishments extend beyond WestJet itself. YYC Calgary International Airport, WestJet’s global hub, was named the ninth most on-time medium sized airport worldwide in May. The airline currently operates more than 70 per cent of all flights at YYC, highlighting the critical role that strong collaboration between airline and airport partners play in delivering reliable operations.
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
Livery signifies seven-year partnership renewal as the official airline of Canada’s team
TORONTO, June 23, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated the renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays by taking it to new heights – 35,000 feet to be exact. The airline unveiled a specially designed co-branded Toronto Blue Jays Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, connecting fans in communities across Canada and reinforcing WestJet’s position as a leading national airline.
“Our renewed partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays represents a shared commitment to bringing Canadians closer together through meaningful, memorable moments,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer.
“Together, we are creating opportunities to connect fans to the game they love while celebrating the spirit of community that unites us across the country. Our co-branded aircraft is a bold and visible symbol of that connection, proudly showcasing our partnership from coast-to-coast-to-coast and reinforcing our shared dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for Canadians.”
The co-branded livery on WestJet tail #386 was revealed during a special celebration at the WestJet YYZ hangar. Nearly 1,000 WestJetters, Toronto Blue Jays representatives, and community members gathered to commemorate the long-standing partnership and get an insider look at the aircraft livery. Among the celebrations were Toronto Blue Jays alumni Edwin Encarnación and Pat Borders, and even an appearance from ACE, the Toronto Blue Jays’ beloved mascot.
The livery connects the dynamic energy that defines both WestJet and the Toronto Blue Jays. The iconic colours paired with the sweeping design depict the action of an aircraft at takeoff and the arc of a ball soaring off the bat. Guests should keep their eyes to the skies as the aircraft is scheduled to take its first flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport on June 24.
“This partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays is rooted in uniting Canadians through shared experiences, a deep love of the game and building connections that go beyond the field,” said Steve McClelland, Vice President, Loyalty and Strategic Partnerships, WestJet.
Originally established in 2012, the renewed agreement coincides with a milestone year for both organizations, as the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate their 50th season and WestJet marks 30 years of connecting Canadians. The new livery and WestJet’s newest player ambassador, Ernie Clement, are just a few of the moments that celebrate the iconic partnership.
“Our partnership with WestJet has been instrumental in bringing Blue Jays baseball to fans across Canada,” said Mark Ditmars, Vice President, Partnerships, Toronto Blue Jays. “As we celebrate our 50th season, this renewed commitment – and the unveiling of this co-branded aircraft – reflects our share values of teamwork and building community.”
WestJet continues its commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships that resonate with Canadians – fostering community connection and celebrating the moments that bring people together.
To learn more about WestJet’s partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, visit: westjet.com/bluejays
About WestJet
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
CALGARY, AB, June 16, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet is deepening its routes in Calgary by adding Tool Shed Brewing Company’s true craft beer on board all WestJet flights offering buy on board food and beverage service. Beginning July 15, guests will be able to choose between three of Tool Shed’s most iconic sips: People Skills blonde ale, Golden Hour hazy pale ale and Local Legend light craft lager.
“Partnering with Tool Shed Brewing allows WestJet to bring a taste of Calgary to the skies. Their products support local hardworking farmers and businesses, which is something we hope our guests will be happy to get behind,” said Steve McClelland, WestJet Vice President, Loyalty and Partnerships. “Together, we are proving that small and large sized businesses can leverage each other’s strengths to create partnerships that are meaningful to Canadians and bolster local economies.”
“Tool Shed was built looking up to the skies at WestJet as the shining benchmark for what the Canadian entrepreneurial spirit can achieve,” said Graham Sherman, Tool Shed founder. “To me, WestJet has always felt like ‘Canada’s Craft Airline’ as their culture, authenticity, and genuine passion for creating a great experience for all guests is incredibly harmonious with the mission of Tool Shed. This is why we’re elated that WestJet has partnered with ‘Canada’s Craft Brewery’ to complement that guest experience.”
From farm to tap to tarmac
Calgary’s Tool Shed beers are true craft beers; made with malted grains from Canadian Prairies and free of adjuncts like corn and rice syrups. They also support Canadian farmers four times more than macro breweries, helping guests feel good about every sip.
Beer available for sale on applicable WestJet flights beginning July 15:
People Skills – An easy-drinking, mass appeal beer. Brewed at Tool Shed since day one.
Golden Hour – Tool Shed’s most drinkable premium style beer. It is hazy, refreshing and hoppy with zero bitterness.
Local Legend – A new low-alcohol craft lager crafted to deliver a taste so good, guests won’t know it has just 3.5 per cent alcohol content.
For travellers that want to explore Tool Shed’s full suite of craft beer, WestJet guests are eligible to receive a 15 per cent discount on all food, beverages and merchandise at the Tool Shed taproom when they show their WestJet boarding pass 24 hours before departure or after arrival. For taproom details and to learn more about Tool Shed Brewing, visit toolshedbrewing.com
For more information on WestJet’s buy on board menu, visit WestJet.com.
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
About Tool Shed Brewing Company
Tool Shed Brewing Company was born in February 2012 in Calgary, Alta., in the backyard tool shed of founder Graham Sherman. In 2013, Tool Shed helped change outdated laws that had prohibited small breweries in Alberta from producing craft beer. As a pioneer in Alberta’s craft beer industry, Tool Shed has grown from a humble backyard tool shed into a 15,000-square-foot facility with more than 60 employees and products available in more than 1,000 locations across Canada.
Today, Tool Shed travels the world championing Canadian agriculture and sharing its entrepreneurial mindset while maintaining a focus on creating exceptional experiences for guests, employees and everyone who enters the Tool Shed world. Tool Shed’s journey is a well-documented success story built on resilience, genuine passion, disruptive thinking and an authentic commitment to building a great business the right way.
Expanded partnership will connect guests via Keflavik from Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg to Icelandair’s network across Europe
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 8, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet and Icelandair signed a reciprocal codeshare agreement at the 2026 IATA AGM, offering guests in Iceland and on both sides of the Atlantic enhanced access to a broader network of destinations with the ease of a single booking and ticket, as well as through checked baggage. Pending regulatory approval, WestJet guests will be able to seamlessly access more than 10 destinations across Europe via a convenient connection at Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer and Helgi Már Björgvinsson, Icelandair Head of Airline Partnerships & International Relations sign reciprocal codeshare agreement at the 2026 IATA AGM.
“Strengthening our longstanding partnership with Icelandair marks an important step in expanding choice and connectivity to Canadians. By leveraging Icelandair’s extensive network through Reykjavik, we’re opening more seamless access to Europe while deepening a partnership that delivers greater value and convenience for travellers,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We are proud to establish deeper ties with Icelandair and look forward to connecting our complementary networks in a convenient way for our shared guests.”
Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair President and CEO said, “We are pleased to develop our partnership with WestJet as our first Canadian codeshare partner airline to further expand our global network and offer our customers even greater choice and connectivity. This collaboration simplifies travel between Canada, Iceland and mainland Europe, and enables more seamless journeys across our combined networks.”
Later this month, WestJet will begin non-stop service to KEF from Edmonton and Winnipeg and due to popular demand, WestJet seasonal summer flying between KEF and Calgary has returned for the 2026 summer travel season. These routes will be supported by WestJet’s codeshare partnership with Icelandair, opening easy onward connections to Icelandair’s European network beyond Reykjavik through multiple Canadian cities.
In addition to the benefits available to WestJet guests travelling to Europe, travel into Canada will now be easier for European and Icelandic adventurers. Icelandair guests can seamlessly connect with one stop to a collection of Canadian cities across WestJet’s domestic network.
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
CALGARY, AB, May 28, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced the planned retirement of WestJet Group Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of WestJet Airlines Diederik Pen. Timing is dependent on onboarding his successor, but is anticipated for the first quarter of 2027, at the latest. Until then, he will stay fully in charge of overseeing the airline and leading operations teams. A global search for his successor is underway; Diederik is actively involved in the search process and will be supporting a seamless transition.
WestJet Group Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of WestJet Airlines Diederik Pen
“I respect Diederik’s decision to retire for personal reasons; WestJetters, including myself, will miss his abundance of care, energy and leadership. As a highly respected and trusted member of our executive team, I am appreciative of Diederik’s contributions to date and have full trust in his unwavering dedication to his role through the remainder of his tenure,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group CEO. “Among his many accomplishments over the past five years, Diederik has been central in safety and delivering operational improvements that have allowed us to scale our network and improve our reliability. I look forward to continuing to work together until his retirement.”
Diederik joined WestJet in late 2021, leading operations through a period of recovery and supporting the safe restart and scaling of the airline as post-COVID demand returned. Diederik has negotiated several high-impact contracts with our labour partners, and has led major operational transitions and transformation, including the successful integration of Swoop and Sunwing Airlines, delivering a more resilient, efficient, and competitive airline. As a respected aviation leader, Diederik has been pivotal in strengthening relationships across the industry, both as the accountable executive with Transport Canada and through his people leadership.
“My time at WestJet has been among the most fulfilling of my career,” said Pen. “Nearing three decades of aviation experience, I have had the good fortune of working with remarkable aviation professionals across multiple continents. It’s been a unique last five years navigating challenges unlike any the industry has seen. I am grateful to have done so alongside our extraordinary, dedicated and resilient team of WestJetters and it is deeply personal to me to ensure this team is set up for future, sustainable success.”
Diederik intends to take some time with his family and to continue to pursue his interest in social impact efforts through his Board involvement with LiveDifferent.
“I am pleased to welcome Glen and Walter to the WestJet Group Board,” said WestJet Group Chairman of the Board, Chris Burley. “Their combined years of experience in the aviation sector bring valuable industry perspective to the board and will strengthen the long-term growth plan of the WestJet Group.”
Mr. Hauenstein, formerly President of Delta, was instrumental in leading Delta’s evolution from a primarily domestic carrier into a global airline, significantly expanding its international network and strengthening strategic partnerships worldwide. His leadership helped set new industry standards in customer loyalty, revenue management, and premium service offerings, contributing to Delta’s long-term growth and competitiveness.
“I am proud to join the WestJet Group Board as the airline continues to drive innovation and strengthen strategic partnerships, all with a continued commitment on delivering reliable air travel and long-term growth,” said Glen Hauenstein, WestJet Group Board member.
In addition, the WestJet Group recognizes Christoph Mueller, who will be retiring from the Board of Directors on June 30, 2026, following six years of exceptional service.
“I speak on behalf of the WestJet Group Board of Directors in thanking Christoph for the positive and lasting impact he has made on the company during his time with us,” said Burley. “Christoph’s expertise and strategic leadership were essential to advancing priorities and strengthening the organization.”
Learn more at westjet.com.
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com
