WestJet Cargo has received Transport Canada's approval and official certification of its four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs). Following certification, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will expeditiously implement three freighters into service, as dedicated aircraft that will fulfil the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. The fourth of WestJet Cargo's dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion.
“Today is a long-awaited milestone for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group, that will now enable us to disrupt the air cargo industry in Canada by providing our customers with more choice, competitive prices and the exemplary customer service synonymous with the WestJet brand, but unique to the air cargo industry,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “We thank Transport Canada for its dedication to certifying these aircraft, which will serve to better support Canada's national transportation supply chain through increased competition and capacity within Canada's air cargo market.”
Seamlessly integrating into WestJet Cargo's existing operations and operated by WestJet's highly skilled 737 pilots, the dedicated freighters will initially focus service within North America, serving Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami. Leveraging its quick-to-load and fly narrow-body aircraft, the 737-800 equipped with CFM56-7B engines will enable WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for its customers, beginning April 22, 2023.
WestJet Cargo's dedicated freighter routes will further connect to the bellies of WestJet's fleet, serving to accommodate the diverse needs of cargo customers in leveraging the airline's expansive network.
