Is WestJet a potential partner with Southwest?
Southwest Airlines was modeled after WestJet and now there are rumors the two companies will merge.
The move would allow Southwest to start serving international destinations, including Canada, on a code-share basis.
“However, with WestJet Airlines Ltd. putting the final touches in place to allow for such strategic partnerships, David Newman, National Bank Financial analyst, said he sees the potential for a tie-up between the Calgary carrier and Southwest,” speculated Canwest News Service.
“While a US alternative to ATA may present itself, we believe WestJet would be the natural choice for a Southwest code-share partner to Canada,” Mr Newman said in a note to clients.
Not only do the two airlines share a similar low-cost, customer-service-oriented business model, but there is significant overlap at Southwest’s major hubs which include Las Vegas, Phoenix and other areas.
Southwest, with its vast domestic network, could be an important partner, could provide WestJet with the US point of sale required for a major push south of the border.
WestJet’s management said their new reservation system that will allow for such code-share deals electronically is up and running, but it is still updating some its back room systems to allow them to recognize code-share revenue electronically.
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season