WestJet Cargo celebrated a successful 2024, achieving strong growth driven by rising belly cargo demand and expanded network routes and partnerships. The airline also embraced digital innovations to enhance the customer experience.
“WestJet’s belly cargo business has emerged as a key driver of success for WestJet Cargo, with a 60 per cent year-over-year increase in revenue,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice President, Cargo. “We’ve seen strong performance on key routes like Narita-Calgary Incheon-Calgary.”
The airline recently confirmed it will eventually phase out its four dedicated freighters. However, it remains committed to expanding belly cargo opportunities. This includes markets where WestJet operates passenger service, as well as offering cargo on new routes.
“As WestJet welcomes more aircraft to its passenger fleet, WestJet Cargo will grow alongside,” said Julius Mooney, WestJet Director of Commercial Cargo. “Supported by a strong logistics and operations team, WestJet Cargo is poised to continue its successful growth in the competitive belly cargo sector.”
Building global connections with Virgin Atlantic
Last month, WestJet Cargo announced a Block Space Agreement with Virgin Atlantic on the Toronto–London route, increasing capacity between Canada and the UK. The deal boosts cargo capacity between the East Coast of Canada and London. It also extends connectivity across Virgin Atlantic’s global network. It strengthens trade links between Canada and key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Digital innovation enhances service
The company has rolled out a revamped website and digital platforms, streamlining the booking and tracking processes for guests. Integrated with digital freight platforms cargo.one and cargoAI, the organization has improved accessibility and operational efficiency radically over the last year. Through this, WestJet has also been able to add new product offerings such as Campus’Air service for university and research cargo.
Also Read: Skyway Airlines Launches Freighter Services to Hong Kong.
With the successful growth of the belly cargo business on track, and the strategic decision to exit the freighter business, WestJet reached a turning point. Following this shift, Kirsten de Bruijn, a seasoned cargo and aviation leader, announced her decision to leave the airline.
“Building out this important growth opportunity for WestJet was very rewarding,” continued de Bruijn. “Unfortunately, the freighter business came with timing delays and additional complexity that no longer made it the right commitment for WestJet.”
WestJet Cargo has announced its official cooperation with The Beagle Alliance. This partnership reinforces its commitment to the safe and compassionate transport of rescued animals across Canada. Through this collaboration, WestJet Cargo provides secure air travel for beagles rescued from research facilities. This ensures they reach their forever homes quickly and with minimal stress.
The relationship between pet air travel specialist WestJet Cargo and The Beagle Alliance was formed through a shared commitment to animal welfare. They also prioritize the safe transport of animals. The Beagle Alliance rescues former research animals who would otherwise be euthanized and advocates for animal free science.
Named after beagles, since they are the most used breed of dog in animal testing. The NGO helps former research pets adjust to freedom and live in a family environment.
Initially, The Beagle Alliance had concerns about air travel for their rescued dogs due to their history of trauma. However, when Founder Lori Cohen’s dog Poppy was successfully transported via WestJet Cargo from Vancouver to Winnipeg, they saw firsthand. The advantages became clear to them. They recognized the benefits of air travel. It was a faster, less stressful alternative to long-haul ground transport. Since then, WestJet Cargo has become the preferred carrier for relocating rescued beagles across Canada.
“Canada is a large country, and ground transport is simply not always feasible. When our first rescue, Poppy, was flown via WestJet Cargo, we realized that this was a reliable and compassionate option for our animals. It is both a blessing and an honor to work with WestJet Cargo in getting these beautiful dogs to their forever homes kindly and with the utmost care.” said Lori Cohen, Founder and Executive Director of The Beagle Alliance.
WestJet is the official transport provider of The Beagle Alliance. It ensures that rescued beagles are relocated safely and efficiently to their adoptive families. Leveraging its expertise in pet transportation and specialized teams, WestJet Cargo aims to rescue and relocate 50 former research beagles to homes across Canada this year. Additionally, WestJet will help raise awareness for The Beagle Alliance’s mission, supporting their efforts to place former research beagles into loving homes, secure donations, and expand rescue operations.
Also Read: Emirates Launches Courier Service, Treating Packages Like Guests.
“At WestJet Cargo, safety and care are at the core of everything we do. Our expertise in animal transportation has made us the trusted airline for pets. Working with The Beagle Alliance aligns perfectly with our values, and we are proud to play a role in giving these animals a new lease on life,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President, Cargo.
Since 2022, WestJet Cargo has successfully transported eight beagles across Canada, the most recent been flown from Winnipeg to Vancouver and landing safely into the arms of his new family. The carrier will continue its efforts to ensure rescued beagles make a safe and comfortable transition from “LAB to LOVE.”
WestJet Cargo announces a Block Space Agreement with Virgin Atlantic from Toronto to London and beyond starting the 31st March.
This year-round partnership boosts cargo capacity between Canada’s East Coast, London, and Virgin Atlantic’s global network. This commercial partnership strengthens trade links between Canada and key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Virgin Atlantic serves numerous strategic cities from London Heathrow, including DEL, BOM, BLR, JNB, CPT, DXB, RUH, and LOS.
In addition, it signifies the airline’s return to the Canadian cargo market after more than two decades. The airline will leverage WestJet Cargo’s proven expertise to manage and sell this key route.
Starting in late March, WestJet Cargo will sell capacity on Virgin Atlantic’s wide-body flights from Toronto to London. The service will offer up to 20 tons of capacity per day. The partnership offers customers reliable access to WestJet Cargo’s and Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s full suite of services. Both carriers have established a strong track record in these areas. All shipments from Toronto will be moved under a WestJet Cargo Air Waybill (AWB) starting 838.
“Virgin Atlantic’s decision to entrust WestJet Cargo with managing this crucial route is a testament to our deep understanding of the Canadian market and our operational excellence. It’s a natural synergy with the same ground handling in both Toronto Pearson International and London Heathrow. We have a super team based in Toronto who are eager to make this commercial partnership a success for both carriers. Our specialized expertise in handling high-value commodities such as pharmaceuticals and valuables ensures that customers receive reliable, top-tier service, all while providing seamless access to Virgin Atlantic’s London service, and beyond” said Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President of WestJet Cargo.
“We’re thrilled to further enhance our commercial partnership with WestJet, leveraging their longstanding cargo expertise in the Canadian marketplace. This collaboration will ensure our customers across the region will have seamless access and added capacity throughout Virgin Atlantic’s global network,” said Nick Diesel, Managing Director, Virgin Atlantic Cargo. “Canada is an important market for us, and this partnership enables us to provide cargo solutions that support trade and business growth between Toronto, London and beyond.”
Also Read: SF Airlines Launches Urumqi-Islamabad Cargo Route.
Virgin Atlantic chose WestJet Cargo for this pivotal commercial partnership due to the carrier’s strong market presence, robust operational capabilities, and specialized handling proficiency. This partnership represents a renewed commitment by Virgin Atlantic to the Canadian cargo market, connecting inbound cargo via its state-of-the-art cargo facility at London Heathrow, and signals a new era of strategic growth and innovation for WestJet Cargo.
With this scalable commercial partnership model, WestJet Cargo is further establishing its role as a key player in the international cargo industry.
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