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CALGARY, May 26, 2017 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced that Charles Duncan has been named as the new head of WestJet Encore, WestJet's regional airline.

"Charles is a proven leader with extensive experience in operations, commercial and general management for global airlines," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "His operating skills and effectiveness working with teams will continue the success that WestJet Encore has already had in just less than four years of operations."

"I have spent my career in aviation because it combines my love of aircraft, travel and people. Coming on board an airline like WestJet Encore with its huge growth curve, passionate employees and caring culture is a perfect fit with my professional background," said Charles Duncan. "I look forward to moving into the role and supporting this dynamic team in realizing even greater impact across the WestJet network." 

In his most recent role at United Airlines, Charles was Senior Vice-President, Technical Operations. While at United, he oversaw the maintenance organization of 12,500 employees, including aircraft line and base maintenance, maintenance planning, reliability, ground service equipment, facilities and supply chain. During his 20-year career in aviation, Charles has held a number of leadership positions, including Vice-President, Chicago O'Hare Hub, where he was responsible for all operational aspects of United's largest hub, including 10,000 total employees, 600 daily flights and 50,000 customers. Charles was also the Vice-President, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India for United Airlines and President and Chief Operating Officer, Continental Micronesia for Continental Airlines.

Charles' first day at WestJet Encore will be June 6, pending immigration approval.

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 21 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:
2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
2017 Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice Winner Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards for Airlines)
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