News Releases

WestJet gives the go-ahead for PEDs

Guests now enjoy enhanced access to devices

CALGARY, June 2, 2014 /CNW/ - WestJet announced today that guests now have full access to their personal electronic devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight, including taxi-in and out, take-off and landing in non-transmitting or flight mode, starting immediately.

"We have been hard at work to meet all necessary conditions required for the safe operation of PEDs on board our Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. "Beginning today, all WestJet guests will have access to their favourite device for the duration of their flight, as long as it remains in airplane mode. We applaud Transport Canada's recent decision, and we believe the exemption will further enrich an already remarkable guest experience."

The move follows a recent Transport Canada exemption that enables airlines, once they have met all necessary safety conditions, to provide guests with access to PEDs such as cameras, electronic games and tablet computers. WestJet has completed comprehensive testing to ensure its fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft is proven safe and does not cause interference with navigation or communication systems on the aircraft. Testing is now underway on WestJet Encore's growing fleet of Bombardier Q400s.

About WestJet

We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers. We offer scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 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:
2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)
2014 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Ipsos)
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2013 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)
2013 Gold Stevie Award Best Transportation Company (American Business Awards)
2013 Chairman's Circle Award: WestJet Vacations (CPSC)
2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine)

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SOURCE WestJet

For further information:

Media contact:
Media Relations, 1-888-WJ-4-NEWS (1-888-954-6397), media@westjet.com.