WestJet CEO pledges fares will not rise due to airline mergers

CALGARY –

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech says bringing Swoop and Sunwing Airlines beneath its banner will not result in increased airfares as integrating the low cost carriers may even tamp down prices.

In a cellphone interview at the moment, the chief government stated Canada’s second-biggest airline will have the ability to swap out planes extra simply and develop the vary of locations for travellers on the hunt for reasonable tickets.

Like rival Flair Airlines and Porter Airlines, WestJet goals to vastly develop its business over the subsequent few years, with 61 Boeing 737s on the order ebook over the subsequent 5 years, plus an choice for 20 extra.

Over the previous two weeks, the Calgary-based firm informed workers it could shut down Swoop on the finish of October and Sunwing Airlines over the subsequent few years, folding them into WestJet’s important operation whereas sustaining Sunwing’s tour bundle division.

Some consultants have warned that the mergers would end in decrease competitors and better airfares, significantly for solar locations.

While competitors stays intense and costs low on main Canadian routes resembling Toronto to Vancouver, fares to sunny getaways, U.S. cities and European scorching spots have all gone up over the previous 12 months.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed June 21, 2023.