WestJet Cargo has received official approval and certification from Transport Canada for its four Boeing 737 freighter conversions. Following regulatory approval, the Canadian carrier and GTA Group will quickly introduce three 737-800BFCs into commercial service.
With these freighter aircraft dedicated to the exclusive transport of freight and mail, the airline aims to meet the demand for cargo from corporate and individual customers in North America. The four 737-800BFCs are expected to join WestJet Cargo’s fleet by the end of this year, following completion of their conversion.
«We thank Transport Canada for their dedication to certifying these aircraft, which will serve to better support Canada’s domestic transportation supply chain through increased competition and capacity within Canada’s air cargo market», said Kirsten de Bruijn , WestJet’s executive vice president of cargo.
The company’s first 737 freighters will initially operate in North America with services to Calgary (YYC), Halifax (YHZ), Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA). The 737-800 is powered by CFM56-7B engines and will enable the airline to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency to its customers beginning April 22, 2023.
WestJet Cargo’s dedicated cargo routes will connect closely with WestJet’s operations, leveraging the airline’s extensive network to meet the diverse needs of cargo customers.
«Today’s announcement was made possible by our incredibly talented team of cargo experts and GTA Group, our valued partner, who have worked diligently to achieve this milestone that brings WestJet Cargo one step closer to fulfilling our mission of delivering competitive cost advantages and reliable service. on-time performance for Canada’s underserved cargo landscape», added de Bruijn.
WestJet Cargo freighter bookings will be available on April 1, 2023.
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