WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (October 24-31)

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (October 24-31)

WestJet completed the month of October ranked second overall amongst major North American air carriers with a 99.1 per cent completion factor.

“Our performance continues to improve month-over-month as we transition our operations and make preparations for the winter travel season,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Chief Operations Officer. “The dedication from our people and the responsible approach we took to planning our network continues to set our operations up for success. We will continue to provide our guests with transparent updates as we look ahead to the peak holiday travel season.”

WestJet’s October 2022 performance

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from October 24 to October 31, WestJet completed 98.7 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, 74.9 per cent of WestJet’s departures arrived within 15 minutes of scheduled time. 

WestJet’s weekly performance – October 24-31, 2022

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (October 17 – 23)

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from October 17 to October 23, WestJet completed 99.2 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, 74.6 per cent of WestJet’s departures arrived within 15 minutes of scheduled time.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – October 17 – 23, 2022

WestJet to offer service between Terrace, B.C., and Calgary

Last week, WestJet announced that it will add four-times weekly service between Terrace, B.C., and Calgary, beginning December 1, 2022. Learn more. 

WestJet gives guests more options via Amsterdam

WestJet has initiated the placement of its “WS” codeshare on KLM-operated flights as part of its long-standing codeshare relationship with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.   Through the codeshare, guests will have convenient access via Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) to and from 20 cities including Vienna, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Athens, Milan, Lisbon, Glasgow, and Manchester across 12 European countries. Learn more.

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (October 10 – 16)

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from October 10 to October 16, WestJet completed 99.1 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, the airline continued to improve its on-time performance, with 81 per cent of WestJet’s departures arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled time.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – October 10 – 16, 2022

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (October 3 – 9)

Airline delivers stability with strong completion factor over busy Thanksgiving long weekend; continues to improve on-time performance

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from October 3 to October 9, WestJet completed 99.6 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week and Thanksgiving weekend. Additionally, the airline continued to improve its on-time performance, with 80.4 per cent of WestJet’s departures arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled time.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – October 3 – 9, 2022

Historic partnership between the WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta sets foundation for future of aviation growth across province

Last week, The WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta announced a first-of-its-kind partnership, focused on significantly advancing aviation across the province in support of a stronger economy and a long-lasting, sustainable future for Alberta’s aviation sector. As the airline furthers its growth strategy, WestJet will invest aircraft capacity, with an asset value in excess of seven billion dollars, in Calgary alone, through significant fleet commitments to be based within the province. Learn more.

WestJet and Korean Air enhance codeshare agreement with addition of WestJet codeshare on flights

WestJet and Korean Air have expanded their long-standing codeshare agreement with the placement of WestJet’s codeshare on Korean’s flights between both Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Vancouver International (YVR) in Canada and Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea. Learn more. 

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (September 26 – October 2)

Airline ranked fourth in North America for completion factor in September while significantly improving on-time performance  

WestJet completed the month of September as fourth overall amongst major North American air carriers for its completion factor across its network and improved its on-time performance by almost 12 percentage points.

WestJet’s September 2022 performance

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from September 26 to October 2, WestJet completed 98.6 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, the airline continued to improve its on-time performance, with 79.7 per cent of WestJet’s departures arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled time.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – September 26 – October 2, 2022

*Completion factor impacted by proactive cancellations in advance and during Hurricane Ian

WestJet Group inks deal with Boeing for an additional 42 737-10 aircraft plus 22 options

Last week, the WestJet Group announced an agreement with Boeing to purchase an additional 42 MAX aircraft, along with options for 22 more. This agreement marks a multi-billion-dollar investment to strengthen WestJet’s presence in Western Canada and underpin growth in transcontinental and leisure offerings from eastern Canadians communities. Learn more.

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (September 19 – September 25)

Airline continues to deliver reliability, improving on-time performance while proactively managing the impacts of Hurricane Fiona

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from September 19 to September 25, WestJet completed 96.6 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, the airline continued to improve its on-time performance, with 78.6 per cent of WestJet’s departures arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled time.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – September 19 – September 25, 2022

*Completion factor impacted by proactive cancellations in advance and during Hurricane Fiona

A statement from Alexis von Hoensbroech on Canada’s removal of travel restrictions

On September 26, 2022, the government of Canada announced the long-awaited removal of all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, effective October 1, 2022. Read WestJet’s fulsome statement in response to the announcement on behalf of Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet, CEO. 

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (September 12 – September 18)

Airline continues to improve on-time performance

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from September 12 to September 18, WestJet maintained its week-over-week completion factor with the airline completing 98.4 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, the airline built on its momentum from the previous week, and continued to improve its on-time performance, with 78.4 per cent of WestJet’s departures arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled time.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – September 12 – September 18, 2022

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (September 5 – September 11)

Airline maintains strong completion factor and achieves best on-time performance since March 2022

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from September 5 to September 11, WestJet maintained its week-over-week completion factor with the airline completing 98.9 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, over the last two weeks the airline took further strides and significantly improved its on-time performance by 13 percentage points, with 76.8 per cent of WestJet’s departures arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled time, further demonstrating the airline’s ongoing commitment to reliability.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – September 5 – September 11, 2022

*Highest A15 percentage since March 2022

WestJet returns to Amsterdam

On Thursday, September 8, WestJet announced the return of non-stop service to Amsterdam from the airline’s global hub in Calgary beginning on November 14, 2022.

WestJet’s return of service between Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) will operate through the airline’s winter schedule, three-times weekly. Service between Calgary and Amsterdam was last operated by WestJet on November 1, 2021.

Learn more

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (August 29 – September 4)

Airline finishes August ranked third in North American for completion factor; delivers stability over busy September long weekend  

WestJet completed the month of August as third overall amongst major North American air carriers for its completion factor across its network. 

WestJet’s August 2022 performance

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from August 29 to September 4, WestJet maintained its week-over-week completion factor with the airline completing 98.8 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week and the September long weekend. Additionally, the airline significantly improved its on-time performance, with 72.4 per cent of WestJet’s departures arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled time. 

WestJet’s weekly performance – August 29 – September 4, 2022

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (August 23 – 28)

Airline’s completion factor and on-time performance continues to improve amongst major North American air carriers

As summer comes to a close, WestJet is trending third overall amongst major North American air carriers for its completion factor across its network throughout the month of August. As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from August 23 to 28, WestJet maintained its week-over-week completion factor with the airline completing 98.9 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, the airline continues to lead amongst Canadian carriers for its on-time arrivals within 15 minutes of scheduled time. 

WestJet’s weekly performance – August 23 - August 28, 2022

Labour Day long-weekend travel outlook

In advance of the upcoming long weekend, WestJet is expecting to fly an average of 48,000 guests on 514 flights per day between Friday, September 2 and Monday, September 5, 2022. 

WestJet’s weekly operations and performance report (August 15 – 22)

Airline continues to improve completion factor, provides update on safety and announces new transborder route

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from August 15 to 22, WestJet continued to improve upon its completion factor from the week prior, completing 99 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week. Additionally, 64.9 per cent of all scheduled and operated flights arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time, as WestJet continues to lead amongst major Canadian air carriers for its on-time performance.  

WestJet’s weekly performance – August 15 - August 22, 2022

A WestJet statement on safety

While many aspects of air travel have changed over the last two and half years WestJet’s unwavering commitment to safety has not. The overwhelming majority of WestJet’s guests continue to do an exceptional job navigating travel; however, it only takes one instance of disruptive behaviour onboard to create stress and uncertainty for all guests and crew.

In alignment with its promise to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone in WestJet’s world, the airline continues to advocate for the removal of legacy pandemic measures that are no longer backed by science and require its crew members to uphold measures that have been lifted in every other sector in Canada.

Learn more  

Manitoba sees stars as WestJet announces direct flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles

On Wednesday, August 17, WestJet celebrated its newest route, with the announcement of service between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, beginning October 31, 2022. The route, which will operate three-times weekly on a year-round basis, will strengthen integral ties and convenience in transportation between Winnipeg’s expanding television and film industry and the esteemed, world-renowned hub of entertainment itself, Los Angeles.   

Learn more

August 16, 2022 - Operational update

Airline maintains completion factor and reports noteworthy baggage improvements across network and at major airports  

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from August 8 to 14, WestJet maintained its week-over-week completion factor with the airline completing 98.8 per cent of all scheduled flights. In addition, the airline continues to lead amongst Canadian carriers for its on-time arrivals within 15 minutes of scheduled time. 

WestJet’s weekly performance – August 8 - August 14, 2022

Baggage improvements across network and major airports

WestJet is reporting improvements* related to baggage wait times in its Calgary and Toronto hubs, as well as a 25 per cent decrease in reports of mishandled (missing) bags across its network, as a result of ongoing efforts to mitigate baggage delays and impacts across its network.

The airline continues to work alongside third-party service providers to alleviate baggage delays and has invested in additional WestJet oversight to support partners responsible for actioning and delivering baggage services in a timely manner.

Baggage wait-time improvements at major airports:

• YYZ Toronto Pearson International Airport – 33 per cent improvement with an average current wait time of 35 minutes
• YYC Calgary International Airport – Ongoing month-over-month wait time improvements with a current average wait time of 33 minutes 

 * Compared to June of 2022

A statement on operational safety

As Canadians return to travel and the aviation ecosystem continues to work toward travel improvement, disruptions still exist, some of which are preventable. To ensure safe and timely travel, and to avoid unnecessary delays, diversions or cancellations, WestJet is asking that guests continue to pack their patience and adhere to the instructions of its inflight crews. In addition, the airline is reminding guests who may require additional assistance through their travel journey, of the services available to them through its Assistance Services.

WestJet will always maintain its unwavering commitment to safety.

August 9, 2022 - Operational update

Airline improves completion factor and announces winter network restarts

As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from August 1 to 7, WestJet improved upon its completion factor from the week prior, completing 98.6 per cent of all scheduled flights throughout the week, maintaining its lead amongst major Canadian air carriers. Additionally, 87.7 per cent of all scheduled and operated flights arrived within 45 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.

WestJet’s weekly performance – August 1 - August 7, 2022

 *0.1% of cancellations were a result of crew resourcing

WestJet to restore 17 sun and leisure routes to destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S. this winter

On Monday, August 8, WestJet celebrated the return of 17 sun and leisure routes to its network this winter, that were previously suspended for more than two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more on WestJet’s restarting winter routes as the airline returns long-awaited destinations to communities across Canada. 

August 4, 2022 – Operational Update

Airline led major Canadian air carriers in completion through July  

At the midway point of peak summer travel, WestJet continues to strive to deliver a reliable schedule within a challenging operating environment, as Canadians and international guests return to the skies. As per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from July 1 to 31, WestJet led amongst major Canadian air carriers, completing 97.5 per cent of all scheduled flights across the month, with 82 per cent of all scheduled and operated flights arriving within 45 minutes of scheduled arrival time.

“Our latest performance reflects the responsible and proactive approach our teams took to stabilize our operations in the face of a myriad of hurdles including industry-wide staffing challenges, legacy pandemic health policies, spiking fuel prices, supply-chain issues and inflation,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. “Our number one priority is ensuring our guests arrive safely to their destination, as on-time as the current aviation landscape allows for.”

WestJet’s July 2022 performance

*/** Significant operational impact on July 14 and 15th due to Western Canadian train derailment which led to network-wide IT outage

** Arrivals and departures remain impacted by ongoing challenges outside of WestJet’s control including third-party staffing shortages, airport construction, CATSA and CBSA processing and staffing 

WestJet’s August long-weekend operational performance – July 29 - August 1, 2022

 *Significant weather event (thunderstorm) impacted Calgary operations on Friday, July 29th 

As announced in June, the airline meticulously planned operations and responsibly reduced its schedule to support peak summer travel which resulted in operating 21 per cent less capacity, in comparison to July 2019. This proactive approach has not been without guest impact but has enabled the airline to significantly prevent reactive cancellations across the network which in return has reduced impacts to guests and crew.  

“We recognize the travel environment remains challenging and sincerely apologize to our guests for any disruption we’ve caused to their long-awaited travel plans,” continued Pen. “We will continue to be transparent as we strive for improvement, reliability and on-time performance and appreciate their continued patience and understanding. My sincere thank you to our guests for their continued patience and understanding and our WestJetters for their dedication as we work together in recovery.”

For the duration of WestJet’s summer operations, transparent weekly operational updates will be posted on this page every Tuesday retroactive for seven days.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Has WestJet recalled all crew including pilots and cabin crew? Why are there cancellations related to crew?

While WestJet is not immune to the challenges currently facing the industry, we have worked to balance flying in line with sufficient staffing levels to support operational needs. All WestJet flight crew have been recalled and the airline continues to balance stable growth in line with industry. Despite our best efforts at times, flights have been cancelled for crew availability or for crew safety. 

Cancellations for crew can attributed to a myriad of reasons as the Canadian transportation regulations permit crew to work a certain number of hours in a duty-day. Compounding delays and disruptions as a result of the current Canadian operating environment can result in duty-day expiration and downline flight cancellations for safety.  

Where does WestJet stand in terms of delayed or missing baggage?

Recognizing the current travel ecosystem, we understand there have been impacts on our guests across the travel journey, including baggage delays and we thank our guests for their continued patience and understanding. We are committed to doing everything we can to deliver the WestJet experience our guests expect from us and we are making every effort to connect impacted guests with their missing bags. We continue to work alongside our third-party service providers to alleviate baggage delays and have invested in additional WestJet oversight to support our partners responsible for actioning and delivering our baggage services in a timely manner. More information on our policies and compensation for lost bags is available online here: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/baggage/lost-delayed-damaged