The federal government gave the thumbs-up Friday to WestJet Airlines’ takeover of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations in a major consolidation of the Canadian aviation market following a tumultuous year for travel.
Proposed last March, the takeover will see Calgary-based WestJet bolster its vacation package offerings as it adds the tour operator to its fleet, though the two brands will be marketed separately.
Financial terms of the takeover have not been disclosed.
“Today’s decision was not taken lightly, especially in light of everything that happened over the holidays for those who flew with Sunwing,” Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a statement, referring to travel chaos that erupted in December amid staffing shortfalls and poor weather, impairing most airlines but leaving thousands of Sunwing passengers stranded in Mexico for days….