It’s an exciting time for WestJet, which has just announced a record-breaking aircraft order and several new destinations for the upcoming winter season. Amanda Ierfino, WestJet Vice-President, Sales and Cargo, gives us a rundown on the airline’s latest offerings and what sets WestJet apart in a highly competitive market in this week’s edition of Take 5.
Amanda Ierfino, WestJet Vice-President, Sales and Cargo.
Aircraft order with Boeing
- WestJet recently made news for making Canada’s largest Boeing order. What does this say about the health and prosperity of the airline – and Canada’s aviation industry?
“Our recent order marks an exciting chapter in WestJet’s growth. With 60 new 737 MAX 10 aircraft with options for 25 more, and seven 787-9 Dreamliners with options for an additional four, this will increase our current order book to 123 aircraft and 40 options. These aircraft will be delivered through 2034, effectively doubling our fleet of Dreamliners. It also reinforces our growth plans and our commitment to giving Canadians even more access to affordable travel options from coast-to-coast.”
- What update can you give us about U.S.-bound travel, which has been widely reported to be on the decline following trade tensions. Are you seeing traffic pick up again? And how are U.S. routes performing?
“Our teams at WestJet constantly assess and adjust the network schedule based on where our guests want to fly. We’re also very engaged with our industry partners to help lessen the long-term impacts to travel and tourism – industries that rely on the sustained confidence and movement of people on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.”
- WestJet has added several new destinations recently. What factors guide the airline’s decisions when launching new routes, particularly in leisure and international markets?
“When it comes to our routes and network, our decisions are shaped by our commitment to meeting the travel needs of Canadians. We want to offer affordable, convenient service to the destinations our guests want most, including sun and leisure getaways as well as international markets.”
- What role do travel advisors play in WestJet’s strategy, and how is the airline supporting them with tools or programmes to enhance sales and client experiences?
“Travel advisors remain an integral part of WestJet’s strategy. They are trusted partners who help us connect with travellers across Canada and around the world. We know how important it is for advisors to have the right tools at their fingertips, which is why we continue to invest in programs and resources to support them. Our new Travel Advisor Learning Portal, along with our advisor website and ongoing training programs, ensures advisors have easy access to the latest information on our products, network, and services. As we grow our fleet and expand our destinations, our focus is on equipping travel advisors with the knowledge and support they need to build strong relationships with their clients and help them choose WestJet with confidence.”
- Looking ahead, what innovations or initiatives is WestJet exploring to differentiate itself in a highly competitive Canadian and global airline market?
“We offer a broad range of new products and services, including our UltraBasic and Extended Comfort products, which were introduced last year to offer guests more flexibility and choice to choose the travel experience that best suits their needs. We also recently rolled out free Starlink Wi-Fi onboard our mainline fleet, which will be available onboard all aircraft by 2026.”
For more information, about WestJet’s travel advisor portal, go to https://www.westjettravelagents.com/learning-portal/.
