Westjet ending CPA with Pasco OCT 26, 2024

[fixnfly]

Sounds like Westjet is ending its agreement with Pacific Coastal this fall. Hopefully the staff affected will be absorbed into Westjet mainline and Encore.

"Dear Pasco Family,
I have been struggling to write this message as it is extremely disappointing news. It weighs heavily on
my heart as I share it with my family of Pacific Coastal employees.
As most of you are aware, for almost seven years we have been operating in partnership with WestJet
providing service under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA). We have been working closely with our
WestJet liaison to finalize a new Agreement that would carry us through to 2031 and beyond.
Unfortunately, WestJet will not be renewing the CPA past October 26, 2024.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that this development does not reflect on the quality of the team’s
work or the dedication each one of you has put into your roles delivering the WestJet Link CPA, and am
truly proud and grateful for your contribution over the years. Rather, business circumstances and strategic
considerations have led to this decision. With reduced capacity and increased load factors in the WestJet
mainline flying, the determination has been made that Link no longer provides positive financial
contribution to the WestJet network. It is extremely disappointing and I want to assure all of you that we
are committed to navigating this transition with transparency and professionalism.
On the Link non-renewal date of October 26, 2024, we will be closing our Flight Operations in Calgary
(YYC) and Customer Service bases in Medicine Hat (YXH), Cranbrook (YXC), and Lethbridge (YQL).
Our YVR main terminal office and base will also be closing. At this time, all YYC-based flight crew (both
pilots and flight attendants) and Customer Service Agents who solely operate for WestJet Link operations
will be permanently laid off. This, unfortunately, will ultimately affect approximately 100 employees. We
are currently exploring opportunities on how the Calgary (YYC) maintenance facility could continue to
support the Pasco operation. More information will be communicated on this in the coming days.
All impacted employees will receive their regular salary and benefits up to and including their last day of
work. Additionally, PCA will provide severance to eligible employees as per the employment contracts of
the affected employees. Details regarding severance packages, including eligibility criteria and the
process for receiving severance payments, will be communicated individually to employees who are
impacted in the coming weeks. Your manager and the Employee Services team will be available to
answer any questions you may have and provide support throughout this process.
Pioneer Collaborate Advance
A Pasco Transition Team will be established to assist and support all affected employees in the transition
to new opportunities. We are working with WestJet to investigate the possibility of offering our pilots and
flight attendants the opportunity to be hired by WestJet and given priority over other job candidates, after
the end of the CPA. We are also working with WestJet and the ground handlers at the CSA bases to
investigate the possibility of transitioning the employment of our CSAs and Supervisors impacted by the
layoffs, to employment with the ground handler at their location.
WestJet has advised that they will be operating WestJet Encore Q400 aircraft on current Link routes for
start of operations on Sunday, October 27, 2024. As a result, there is no disruption expected to the
communities where WestJet Link currently operates.
Attached to this message is an FAQ document that has been developed to help address many of the
initial questions and concerns. As this is the early stages, we do not have all the answers yet and will
work to share any new information as it becomes available.
Despite the challenge that the completion of the CPA will have on Pacific Coastal, it will enable us new
opportunities. Over the past few weeks, the Commercial Services Team has been working on the Pasco
winter schedule (operating between October 27, 2024 and April 26, 2025) and is highlighted by additional
capacity on several of our current routes, extending what was expected to be seasonal routes to year
round routes, as well as the addition of new routes. Once operational reviews are complete, the schedule
details will be shared with all employees. We will also be actively pursuing the redevelopment our charter
product, focusing on scheduled contract flying as well as ad hoc requests. In addition, we are currently
exploring potential strategic partnerships with several other air carriers and will be sharing more on this
as it progresses.
I understand that this is a challenging time, and we encourage open communication and support among
colleagues. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your managers, Employee Services, or leadership
team members if you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance during this period of transition.
You may also email SpeakUp@pacificcoastal.com to reach the Senior Leadership Team directly for a
response.
I am truly saddened by this development and want to acknowledge the impact that this closure will have
on all of us - both the employees being laid off, as well as the employees who remain and will be losing
colleagues that they have built strong relationships with. Once again, I want to express my deepest
gratitude to each member of the Pasco team for your continued commitment and hard work.
While the non-renewal of the CPA presents a significant shift for Pasco, I am confident that we have the
talent, determination, resilience and spirit to emerge stronger from this transition.
Sincerely,
Q"

[CaptDukeNukem]

Best wishes to all flight crew at PASCO. I hope you guys land on your feet.

[flyinhigh]

This is crazy. The company to which has daily job postings in going to lay off crew.

Good luck to all involved, but don't stress, you will definitely land on your feet in short order.

[Daigo]

This is crazy. The company to which has daily job postings in going to lay off crew.

Good luck to all involved, but don't stress, you will definitely land on your feet in short order.

Yet they still make new postings... even after the announcement

[CaptDukeNukem]

This is crazy. The company to which has daily job postings in going to lay off crew.

Good luck to all involved, but don't stress, you will definitely land on your feet in short order.

Yet they still make new postings... even after the announcement

I saw that. Maybe they are anticipating an excodus?

[goingnowherefast]

Short in YVR, and expecting that the YYC people won't want to move?

[Bede]

Or layoff all the pilots and then re-hire them at year 1 wages. No airline would ever do that...