The real question for Westjetters!

[johnkruk]

I've been with Westjet 5 years ish in the industry 15 years ish, I've really enjoyed my time here at Westjet, but with the annoucement of the new airline lies a very big question! How much of this new airlines work will be current Westjet work and how many Westjetters are going to be given the option of move, join the new airline for less money, or lay-off. Without a doubt it makes great buisness sense to open a feeder for Westjet, competeing mainly against A/C, some with Porter, it definetly should work! but as the leases come up on the 737's, return them and replace it with the Q-400 which they could do on a lot of current routes! There's one thing for sure different about Westjet that is different and that is how much employee's like the company and really do care about Westjet! Thats something a bean counter can't put on paper, the difference of an employee that cares and one that doesn't! I hope Westjet doesn't find this out the hard way! Exciting time to be a Westjetter but also a little uncertian for some!

[JMACK]

I think it will work extremely well as long as Industrial Apartheid doesn't creep in! One Westjetter on another post said no second class citizens at Westjet! I think if that remains a focus the company pride and team work will be alive and well in years to come!

Cheers and I really hope you pick the Q400!
Jim

[True North]

I've been with Westjet 5 years ish in the industry 15 years ish, I've really enjoyed my time here at Westjet, but with the annoucement of the new airline lies a very big question! How much of this new airlines work will be current Westjet work and how many Westjetters are going to be given the option of move, join the new airline for less money, or lay-off. Without a doubt it makes great buisness sense to open a feeder for Westjet, competeing mainly against A/C, some with Porter, it definetly should work! but as the leases come up on the 737's, return them and replace it with the Q-400 which they could do on a lot of current routes! There's one thing for sure different about Westjet that is different and that is how much employee's like the company and really do care about Westjet! Thats something a bean counter can't put on paper, the difference of an employee that cares and one that doesn't! I hope Westjet doesn't find this out the hard way! Exciting time to be a Westjetter but also a little uncertian for some!

If you work there then you should already know the answer to your questions. I don't work there but it's been posted here and on other forums by WJ pilots, and I've been told by my friends there, that there is a block hour guarantee based on 2012 hours. Lease returns is only one part of the equation, there are still future delivery commitments (not sure how many but something like 30), and then utilization. So there will never be less 737 flying than there is now. The turboprop may replace the 37 on some routes at some times but that allows for redeployment of the 37 to a more lucrative route. That's my understanding anyway. If you really want the straight poop, ask your association rep or DaveP. He seems very forthcoming.

[DaveP]

Hi John
I do know some of this answer, but I would prefer to talk in person about it or better yet take you up stairs and talk with J Macleod who does our network planning. I do know it's target will most likely be on stuff we don't do now.

I really can't see a negative to where you sit. These aren't forced moves and we won't have explosive growth out of the gate. so your question on how many would go down - I don't think many will.

I mentioned earlier that the smaller a/c will definitely run on some existing routes and will likely remove some Boeing flying, however the plan will be to turn those tails into longer more profitable segments. We will likely do frequency build on existing routes too. IE yyc/yxe but the difference is it could go on to ywg etc. Don't forget we will get the rnp approved as well for places like cranbrook.

As for lease returns, who knows. I have heard if the economy is doing well then we will keep them. Maintenance becomes a huge factor when you start getting old machines.

Another interesting thing is that in about 5 years we have this thing called retirements coming down the pipe. We are getting a few now, but in 5 years we have around 50 ish guys hitting age 60. Now even though we don't have a mandatory retirement age, I can only assume most will pull the pin around there. That trend is forecast to be constant from there on.

Give me a call sometime or pop by.

Dave.

[twinpratts]

.

[CanadianEh]

Hi John
I do know some of this answer, but I would prefer to talk in person about it or better yet take you up stairs and talk with J Macleod who does our network planning. I do know it's target will most likely be on stuff we don't do now.

I really can't see a negative to where you sit. These aren't forced moves and we won't have explosive growth out of the gate. so your question on how many would go down - I don't think many will.

I mentioned earlier that the smaller a/c will definitely run on some existing routes and will likely remove some Boeing flying, however the plan will be to turn those tails into longer more profitable segments. We will likely do frequency build on existing routes too. IE yyc/yxe but the difference is it could go on to ywg etc. Don't forget we will get the rnp approved as well for places like cranbrook.

As for lease returns, who knows. I have heard if the economy is doing well then we will keep them. Maintenance becomes a huge factor when you start getting old machines.

Another interesting thing is that in about 5 years we have this thing called retirements coming down the pipe. We are getting a few now, but in 5 years we have around 50 ish guys hitting age 60. Now even though we don't have a mandatory retirement age, I can only assume most will pull the pin around there. That trend is forecast to be constant from there on.

Give me a call sometime or pop by.

Dave.

This is the fundamental difference between AC and Westjet. People like Dave take the time to connect with employees/public and answer their questions. Westjet empowers its workforce by making them "owners" through generous share purchase programs and asking their input on how they will move forward as a company. What a fantastic role model westjet has become for the Canadian airline industry, i hope for nothing but the best for you guys.

[rubberboot]

This is the fundamental difference between AC and Westjet. People like Dave take the time to connect with employees/public and answer their questions. Westjet empowers its workforce by making them "owners" through generous share purchase programs and asking their input on how they will move forward as a company. What a fantastic role model westjet has become for the Canadian airline industry, i hope for nothing but the best for you guys.

+1

as an outsider looking in - it is nice to see someone taking the time to answer peoples questions/concerns in a professional manor.

so thanks, and please keep it up.

Respectfully,
r/b