WestJet will wind down Sunwing Airlines and integrate the low-cost carrier into its mainline business within two years as part of a strategy to streamline operations amid fierce competition.
The move, announced in an internal memo obtained by The Canadian Press, has raised questions among some industry observers about the impact on airfares and travellers’ flight options.
Sunwing Airlines president Len Corrado said in the memo the change will open up markets for the 18-year-old company as well as its workers.
“WestJet will eventually move to a one jet aircraft operating certificate (AOC) model and Sunwing Airlines will be integrated into WestJet. This is a long-term move that will unlock greater scale and growth opportunities for our people, and specifically for our airline employees within the group,” Corrado said in the memo, dated Wednesday….