On 21APR, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group celebrated the inauguration of the first of three 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters in Toronto.
The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting at WestJet's Toronto hangar, signifying the launch of WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group's dedicated freighter service.
As Open Jaw reported, WestJet in its own words is developing its new cargo service to disrupt an "underserved" air cargo market in Canada. During the pandemic, as Open Jaw also reported, Air Canada leaned into its cargo service, which proved successful in helping it to weather the cessation of passenger travel - so much so, it led to the decision by the carrier to invest in eight dedicated cargo aircraft. WestJet has picked up on that opportunity to diversify and increase revenues for its own business.
WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group's Toronto celebration is the first of three inaugural events, taking place across Canada, with events in Halifax and Vancouver, to follow with the remaining two aircraft on order.
"We are thrilled to be celebrating this long-awaited milestone in Toronto, a core hub for WestJet Cargo and home of the GTA Group," said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. "As Canada's largest global hub, Toronto is a vital destination for our dedicated freighter operation that will enable WestJet Cargo to plug into a vast network of cargo entering the country and allow us to seamlessly execute the distribution of this cargo to its final destination across Canada."
Mario D'Urso, Chairman of The GTA Group of Companies added, "The capacity of the dedicated freighters will bring customers new competitive options by providing more air freight capacity to cargo customers who depend on reliable and on-time performance. We are thrilled to see these freighters take flight."
WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group's dedicated freighters will now begin operating between its designated hubs in Halifax, Calgary, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Integrating into the WestJet Group's existing network, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group's dedicated freighters will work in tandem with the cargo carrying bellies of WestJet's fleet, creating global connectivity and opening trade lanes between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.
"Our incredibly talented team at WestJet Cargo is eager to disrupt Canada's underserved air cargo market, by bringing competitive cost advantages, increased choice, reliable on-time performance and exemplary customer service. Today's celebration signifies a green light to do just that, as we strive to meet the needs of Canada's expanding cargo market," continued de Bruijn.
