The WestJet Group has today announced the completion of the acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. The transaction, originally announced in March 2022, is expected to bring greater choice and competitive airfares to Canadian travelers.
On Monday (May 1, 2023), the WestJet Group announced the completion of the acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines, creating new opportunities for leisure and sun travel across Canada. WestJet and Sunwing will initially maintain independent operations, while working collaboratively to combine complementary strategies for a gradual and effective transition. As previously announced, the Group’s newly combined tour operator businesses, comprised of WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, will be headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and will also continue to operate an office in Montreal. Over the next few years, the company expects to facilitate new flying and employment opportunities by retaining Sunwing’s aircraft in Canada year-round. Stephen Hunter, formerly the CEO of Sunwing Vacations, has been appointed CEO of the combined WestJet Group's Vacations Business.
In today’s announcement, WestJet Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech, said,
“As we have set out on our new strategic trajectory for the WestJet Group, investing further in leisure and sun flying across Canada is a critical driver for growth. It brings me great pleasure to welcome Sunwing to the group, adding 18 Boeing 737s, 2,000 employees and Canada’s largest vacation tour operator and significantly expanding our footprint in Eastern Canada. Together, we will strategically enhance our sun and leisure offerings to bring even more affordable and accessible travel opportunities to Canadians.”
Also commenting on the acquisition completion, WestJet Group’s Vacation Business’ CEO, Stephen Hunter, added,
“The combination of our complementary businesses marks an important milestone that will enable us to fast-track our growth plans and provide Canadians with more affordable vacations to more destinations than ever before. I am thrilled to join forces with WestJet and, in doing so, create even more opportunities for our people and deliver greater value for Canadian travellers.”
In 27 years of service, WestJet has cut airfares for Canadians in half and increased the flying population around Canada by over 50 percent. The airline launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, and has now grown to more than 180 aircraft and 14,000 employees, offering service to over 110 destinations in 24 countries. Even during the pandemic, WestJet maintained their rating by Cirium as one of the top ten airlines for on-time performance in North America.
Source: WestJet/CNW