News Releases
Airline pledges more women in leadership, aviation and technical positions
CALGARY, March 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, in support of National Women in Aviation Week and International Women's Day, WestJet released its WestJet Women in Aviation: Committed to Change video, emphasizing the need to increase the numbers of women who have careers in aviation.
"We are proud to be among those leading the field for the inclusion of women in the flight deck. But, WestJet can do better," says Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO, who also voiced the airline's latest video. "Leaders, including myself, must pledge to listen to the voices of women who work in all areas of aviation, recognize their potential, and support their growth and development. Strong male and female advocates are necessary, and I am dedicated to helping WestJet's women soar."
WestJet has the third-highest percentage* of female pilots in North America for a global airline, at seven per cent, while the industry average is five per cent. With commercial aviation growing rapidly and opportunities opening across a range of careers, the airline acknowledges it is critical to increase the number of women in the flight deck, below the wing in technical positions and at the boardroom table.
In 2020, WestJet will focus on actively reducing the gender gap on its global leadership team and is launching a new Women in Leadership Program designed to facilitate the growth and development of managers. WestJet has also partnered with Elevate Aviation to support Elevate's mission to create a shift in the aviation industry and promote gender balance by connecting women with a network of support.
"We need more visibility of women succeeding in various roles within the industry," said Ashlee Tanner, WestJet, Manager, Fleet Engineering. "The aviation industry is diverse in opportunities and we need to do a better job of reflecting that."
Throughout Women in Aviation Week from March 2-8, 2020 and International Women's Day on March 8, 2020, WestJet will feature and recognize women in leadership, aviation and technical operations positions within its organization.
Monday, March 2 – WestJet Women in Aviation: Committed to Change video
Tuesday, March 3 – Ashlee Tanner, WestJet, Manager, Fleet Engineering
Wednesday, March 4 – Patricia Gauthier, WestJet Regional Manager, International Airports
Thursday, March 5 – Colleen Tynan, WestJet, Director of Contact Centre
Friday, March 6 – Rose Streete, WestJet, Cabin Crew Member
Saturday, March 7 – Virginia Svilans, WestJet, 737 First Officer
Sunday, March 8 – All female WestJet flight 1516 (YYC-PHX), WestJet Encore flight 3163 (YYC-YLW), Ed Sims, WestJet, President and CEO, International Women's Day Feature
These feature pieces will be available across WestJet's channels and online at Westjet.com/womeninaviation.
More information on careers at WestJet is available here.
*2020, The International Society of Women Airline Pilots. Global airline is defined as a global network carrier, flying outside of North America.
About WestJet
Together with WestJet's regional airlines, WestJet Encore and WestJet Link, we offer scheduled service to more than 110 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 250 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships. WestJet Vacations offers affordable, flexible vacations to more than 60 destinations and the choice of more than 800 hotels, resorts, condos and villas. Members of the WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of flights and vacations packages to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods, and have access to Member Exclusive fares offering deals to WestJet destinations throughout our network and those of our partner airlines.
WestJet is proud to be recognized for three consecutive years as Best Airline in Canada (2017-19) and awarded among travellers' favourite Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (2019). From 2017-2018, WestJet was also awarded among travellers' favourite Mid-Sized and Low-Cost Airlines in North America. The airline was also recognized among the Economy Class winners in North America, 2018. All awards are based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognition includes:
2019 Swoop - Start-up Airline of the Year (CAPA 2019 Aviation Awards for Excellence)
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)
2018/2017 Winner Among Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 Winner – Economy, North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 North America's Best Low-Cost Airline (Skytrax)
2018/2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership
