WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech is speaking out about what WestJet sees as growing consensus and concern amongst industry stakeholders surrounding the proposed Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) reforms.

In Ottawa this week to share news of WestJet’s service improvements and coast-to-coast growth with government officials and parliamentarians, von Hoensbroech took the opportunity to also emphasize the need for shared accountability and reconsideration of APPR reforms.

He also spoke to the need to resolve the Canadian Transport Agency’s (CTA) complaint backlog, which recently hit a high of 57,000. He noted that thousands of cases await a final decision by the federal regulator, with many WestJet guests waiting over 18 months for a response. Meanwhile WestJet is required to respond to all APPR claims within 30 days.

Von Hoensbroech’s recommendations to improve travel across Canada include the following policy priorities for parliamentarians to consider …

1. Strengthen and amend Bill C52 to ensure any entity whose operations result in delays and cancels have clear performance metrics, communication and equal compensation requirements to that of airlines.
2. Review and address the growing consensus that APPR reforms, if realized, would a) contradict Canada’s aviation safety culture; b) negatively impact regional connectivity and airfares in Canada, and c) diminish progress made across Canada’s recovering and now stable aviation industry.
3.  Clear the complaint backlog at the CTA by imposing an equal service standard to that of airlines, which requires airlines to provide a response within 30 days, to ensure passengers do not wait 18 months for resolution.

Summer Performance

Von Hoensbroech also spoke to WestJet’s successful summer performance. Alongside record-setting demand that surpassed pre-pandemic levels, the WestJet Group maintained stable operations, delivering upon its commitment to meaningful improvements, he said.

WestJet improved its on-time performance by 7% and baggage handling performance by 54.2%. The airline also hired 2,000+ employees across Canada in 2023, to further support its operation.

Heading into the fall, the WestJet Group continues to execute upon its new strategy to affordably increase Canada’s connectivity from coast-to-coast “and cement its position as the country’s leading leisure airline,” according to the airline. Swoop’s integration into WestJet will wrap up October 28. The integration of Sunwing Airlines is ongoing as well.

Source: Travelweek