Great careers at WestJet
Pilot careers
As a pilot, choosing an airline to fly with isn’t a small decision, but we believe we can make it an easy one. Whether you are looking for proven stability, work-life balance, exciting growth opportunities, or a vibrant culture that makes you excited to go to work every day, the WestJet Group has it all. Read on to discover more reasons why pilots choose to fly with us, and how to apply.
Why do pilots choose the WestJet Group?
It ticks all the boxes ✔
In operation for over two decades, the WestJet Group is an award-winning Canadian success story. The WestJet Group gives pilots the opportunity to fly with the airline that best suits their level of experience and goals. We offer:
- Schedules that allow for a better work-life balance, including socialized bidding (non-seniority based schedules)
- The flexibility to trade, drop or pick up pairings within our automated shift trade system
- Non-seniority based standby travel privileges with the WestJet Group, including jump seat agreements with other airlines
- Internal opportunities to grow your career as a pilot and aviator
- Your first and final pilot interview! Once you have been hired into the WestJet Group, fleet movement and upgrades are honored based on seniority
- Clarity on placement: Know your base at the time of offer
- Come fly one of the youngest fleets of established North American carriers
Whether it’s our culture, focus on lifestyle, or our exciting growth strategy, the WestJet Group truly has it all.
Compensation and benefits
Our valued pilots are best-in-class, and we are proud to offer competitive compensation with some great perks, and a full flexible benefit package.
- For mainline pilots, the WestJet Group contributes 10 per cent of a pilot’s eligible earnings to their WestJet Savings Plan, with no obligation to match.
- For Encore pilots, the WestJet Group will match every dollar you contribute to your WestJet Savings Plan, at the time of eligibility:
- Captains: 10 per cent
- First Officers: Up to 5 per cent for your first three years, and up to 10 per cent after four years
Growth opportunities
We have big plans for our future, and yours.
With ambitious growth plans, along with more aircraft and routes being added around the globe, there is substantial opportunity for advancement across the WestJet Group. This opportunity is why many pilots choose to fly with us for their whole careers.
Encore: Where careers take off
WestJet Encore is a great place to begin your career, with outstanding leadership training and the opportunity to progress on to WestJet mainline as you gain experience.
More aircraft, more opportunities
WestJet flies one of the youngest fleets of established North American carriers, and will be adding dozens of new Boeing MAX aircraft in the future. These additional aircraft mean even more options and opportunities for our pilots.
Hello sunshine
Travel to sun destinations is a key area of growth for the WestJet Group. As a result, we are continuing to add more flights to beach destinations — a favourite among our guests and our pilots.
Safety above all
With an unwavering commitment to Safety Above All and the track record to prove it, the WestJet Group has attracted some of the best aviation professionals from around the globe, providing outstanding support and leadership for our pilots.
Become a WestJetter, not an employee
The WestJet Group succeeds because of our people: passionate, friendly individuals who go above and beyond in everything they do. Together, we foster an atmosphere and culture that ensures our guests, and fellow WestJetters alike, love where they're going.
Beyond the flight deck
The WestJet Group is known for its incredible culture. We invest in events that bring WestJetters together like our Stampede Caravan breakfast, the Dirty Bird plane wash, charitable initiatives like LiveDifferent, and much more.
Scheduling for all
Our pilots are team players. We use a non-seniority-based bidding system for scheduling and stand-by travel. This means that pilots off reserve (on-call) typically get what they bid for. As result, all our pilots can inform their schedules to meet their personal needs.
Working at the WestJet Group
Learn more about our aircraft, technical requirements, bases, benefits at WestJet and WestJet Encore.
WestJet Encore |
WestJet |
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Aircraft |
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| Technical requirements | First officer: 750 hours Direct entry captain: 2000 hours |
First officer: 2000 hours
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| Bases | Calgary |
Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg |
| Benefits |
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Video testimonies
Wondering what it’s like to fly for the WestJet Group?
Hear firsthand from our pilots as they answer common questions and tell you about their personal experiences flying for WestJet.
Filmed in July of 2022. Our Swoop and Encore pilots have since advanced their positions to become first officers at WestJet.
Suzanne Foraie, WestJet’s first woman chief pilot.
Ready to apply?
Apply to become a pilot with the WestJet Group today!
