WestJet Cargo Expands Belly Business, Plans Strategic Shift

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.”