It’s Business As Usual At WestJet

Following Monday’s unexpected announcement that WestJet has approved a $5 billion sales transaction with Onex, the airline’s board of directors is assuring its partners and travellers that it’s still business as usual at WestJet.

In a statement, officials said, WestJet will “benefit from Onex’s aerospace experience, history of positive employee relations and long-term orientation. Onex is investing in WestJet’s culture, its leadership, its values, its people and its strategy.”

It went on to state that with this transaction, WestJet will remain proudly headquartered in Calgary; uphold its mission, values, employee engagement and unrivalled guest experience; invest in WestJet’s fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft scheduled to be delivered in coming years; remain a key enabler of the visitor and tourism economy and an important source of economic development and connectivity for Canada, continuing to serve its existing ports; and remain committed as ever to the safety of employees, guests and aviation partners.

“You, our valued travel partners and WestJet guests, will continue to enjoy the same unparalleled experience from WestJet. Flight tickets/vacation packages are still valid. You will not see any flight purchases impacted. There will be no changes to any current partner agreements. There will be no changes in flight schedule or routes as a direct result of this transaction. There are no changes to the frequent flyer program and credit card partnership. There are no changes to WestJet Vacations.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close before the end of the year.