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Cost of aviation infrastructure remains major challenge to low-cost travel
CALGARY, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - WestJet today responded to Transport Canada's review of the Canada Transportation Act.
"We recognize and appreciate the extensive consultation that has been undertaken by the federal government over the past year, and we are supportive of many measures announced today," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "However, we firmly believe the largest challenge to ensuring low fares for Canadian consumers is the rising cost of aviation infrastructure. Canada is a much more expensive jurisdiction in which to operate than other jurisdictions. We are disappointed the government has not signaled more clearly a willingness to meaningfully review aviation taxation and cost structure."
With respect to specific policy announcements:
- Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA): WestJet strongly supports the plans to fully examine CATSA service delivery and improve processing times to align with international standards. This is an exercise that can be undertaken quickly to affect meaningful change.
- Passenger rights: As an airline that prides itself on industry-leading guest service, WestJet welcomes the opportunity to work with the government as it develops further regulation, and clarifies carrier obligations.
- Foreign ownership: WestJet's position has been that changes to foreign ownership should be done on a reciprocal and negotiated basis with other countries, versus a unilateral increase, which was announced today.
"WestJet looks forward to participating fully in further regulatory and policy development activity as outlined in the minister's speech," said Saretsky. "And we will continue to call on the government to aggressively tackle the issue of escalating cost in commercial aviation in Canada."
About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most trusted airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers. WestJet, and our regional airline, WestJet Encore, offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 150 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods ̶ even on seat sales. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognition includes:
2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
2016 Canada's most reputable company for Corporate Social Responsibility (Reputation Institute)2016/2015/2014/2013/2012 Ranked top three for Canadian Brands (Canadian Business Magazine)2016/2015/2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (MoneySense magazine)
2015/2011/2010/2008/2007/2006/2005 Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture (Waterstone Human Capital)
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)
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SOURCE WestJet
