WestJet & Disney Parks Canada Bring Magic To The Air

with Caroline Booth

The weather outside was frightful, but the mood inside at WestJet campus in Calgary on Monday morning was magical.

Approximately 800+ WestJetters, Board of Directors, members of the media and community friends all outfitted with “Glow with the Show” Mickey Ears, filled the hangar eagerly awaiting the unveiling of a much anticipated surprise. Something “unique and 1st of its kind in Canada,” promised WestJet President & CEO Gregg Saretsky.

Following a brief introduction and crowd revving by Saretsky, Marlie Morrison, Managing Director, Marketing & Sales, The Walt Disney Company (Canada) and Mickey himself, the reveal was made – a custom painted 737-800 series “Magic Plane” featuring Mickey in his most famous role as Sorcerer.

“What a great way to display the partnership between WestJet and Disney,” said Saretsky. “This really says it all. People will look at this aircraft and say ‘wow’, isn’t that great, lets go to Disney!’”

When asked about Disney’s collaboration with the airline, Morrison explains, “WestJet is fun and playful and wants to make sure guests have a memorable experiece. That’s like Disney.” Morrison mentioned that the project evolved through the course of over a year and went through a few concepts before the decision was made on a design. “It’s showing Mickey using his magic to take the aircaft to Cinderella’s castle.”

Keeping the project under wraps and trying to avoid a pre mature reveal was no easy feat. The plane was painted in Washington State under a shroud of secrecy, and flew after sunset before arriving by darkness in Calgary.

Saretsky, got his 1st glimpse Monday morning and shared his impression. “I love it. I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. There are other Disney planes flying in the States and Asia, but I think this is the most beautiful.”

And WestJetters love it too. “It’s fantastic!” said Jarred Mikoch-Gerke, Duty Manager for WestJet Calgary airport, who admitted to having an inkling of what the surprise might be. “I knew a plane was being painted, but didn’t know to what extent, or what to expect.”

Following the reveal party, the aircraft took its inaugural flight to Orlando, after which it will go into regular rotation throughout the entire network. 400,000 guests are expected to fly in the Magic Plane in the next 5 years.

Fun Facts about the Magic Plane:

• It took 24 days and a team of 26 people working around the clock to paint the aircraft.
• The painting crew was made up of people from 4 countries, 5 states, 2 provinces and 12 cities.
• There are a total of 36 different colours on the aircraft.
• The cookies served on board are in the shape of Disney characters.