Holy ULCC, WestJet!

WestJet is going back to its roots with the announcement today that it plans to launch a new, ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in Canada.

Remember back in 1996 when WestJet arrived, modeling itself after Southwest, and shaking things up in the airline business in Canada with its low-cost approach to air travel.

WestJet said that service is expected to start in late 2017 with an initial fleet of 10 high-density Boeing 737-800s.

The move is subject to agreement with WestJet’s pilots and any required regulatory approvals.

The ULCC will provide Canadians with no-frills, lower-cost travel options.

Clive Beddoe, co-founder of WestJet and chair of the Board of the Directors, 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.”

Beddoe said that:

“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.”

As WestJet’s president and CEO, Gregg Saretsky sees it:

“The worldview on low-cost airlines has changed since the launch of WestJet in 1996 and we are responding.”

Saretsky said that:

“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.”

Go to http://www.westjet.com for more.