WestJet delays launch of new ultra low cost unit
WestJet’s proposed new ultra low cost unit will stay grounded until at least next summer.
When it announced it was launching a standalone ULCC unit earlier this year, WestJet projected a launch in late 2017 but will not take flight until the summer of 2018, it said.
While it said it has been making steady progress, it won’t announce an initial flight schedule until early 2018.
"Since our initial announcement, we have undertaken numerous steps on our action plan to the prepare for the launch of the ULCC, including establishing the core leadership team, applying for an air operator’s certificate, and addressing initial regulatory requirements," a company statement said.
A fleet of ten ‘high density’ Boeing 737-800s have been earmarked for the new ULCC.
The delay is likely the result of potential labor issues expected in the near future.
Just weeks after announcing it was establishing a new low cost unit, WestJet pilots voted to unionize and aviation analysts fear this could spell more delays for the new startup.
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