Qantas is getting closer to Canadian airline WestJet, having formally applied to share codes on US and Canadian routes with the second-largest Canadian air carrier behind Air Canada.
WestJet, founded in 1996, began as a low-cost alternative to Canada’s major airlines and now provides scheduled and charter air service to 107destinations in Canada, the US, Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Qantas has applied to the International Air Services Commission (IASC) to offer codeshare services on flights operated by Qantas on US and Canada routes from 1 December 2018.
In its letter to the IASC, Qantas said it would provide a copy of the confidential codeshare agreement between Qantas and WestJet separately, rather than placing it on the public record.
WestJet does not belong to any airline alliance. It operates three variants of the B737, including the B737 MAX, as well as the B767. WestJet has two direct subsidiaries, WestJet Encore (which operates the Bombardier Q400) and WestJet Link, which flies the Saab 340B. The airline’s headquarters is located next to Calgary International Airport.
WestJet operated its first flight to mainland Europe last May, with an inaugural flight from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle.
The first aircraft delivered in WestJet’s new livery was this B737 MAX 8
WestJet is due to start B787 Dreamliner flights from Calgary International Airport to London Gatwick next April, with service to Paris and Dublin following.
Written by Peter Needham
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