WestJet Cargo is riding on the momentum of the previous year and heading for cruising altitude, as it laid out this year’s plans, including the launch of new routes to Seoul in May, 

2023 saw the launch of the Canadian carrier’s dedicated freighter fleet with launch events on 22 April 2023, in Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax. It later introduced charter flights in July to expand its service portfolio. 

The cargo carrier is using the same formula as the previous year for an equally energy-driven 2024, citing partnerships, product portfolio, and digital enhancements as its three focus areas. 

Its partnership with Flexport in November 2023 opened connections from Halifax and Vancouver to Asia via Chicago O’Hare (ORD). It also struck a partnership with Awesome Cargo and introduced services between Los Angeles (LAX) and Guadalajara. The carrier’s network now has 45 destinations, including Paris and Narita, which was introduced this year. 

Apart from deploying its first freighter fleet, 2023 centred on building a strong team of cargo experts. WestJet Cargo welcomed 22 new colleagues, opening 24 warehouses and 14 freighter handling stations. 

To start the year, the airline launched a new premium service for transporting high-value cargo, called Safe’Air. It also started work on its cargo website, alongside partnership with air cargo booking marketplaces, positioning itself as one of the upcoming players in the air cargo arena.  

WestJet plans to introduce new destinations and routes this year, including services to Seoul starting 17 May and a year-round service to Narita, through additional freighter and passenger belly cargo flights. 

“In 2022, we were taxiing and, in 2023, we successfully took off as a cargo airline. WestJet Cargo has no intention of slowing down at all in 2024. We’re climbing and aiming for cruising altitude on our company flight path, this year,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice-President, Cargo at WestJet.