Latest news with #SunwingAirlines
Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
WestJet Group completes integration of Sunwing Airlines
WestJet completes Sunwing Airlines integration, unifying operations, enhancing sun and leisure travel offerings, and expanding affordable options for Canadian travellers. WestJet officially completes its integration of Sunwing Airlines. This achievement represents two years (to the month) of dedicated work, strategic coordination and consultation, and a commitment to delivering greater value and connectivity for Canadian travellers. 'Completing two airline consolidations in just two years – the first with Swoop in 2024 and now Sunwing – was complex and required coordination across every aspect of our business, from operational, labour, and regulatory areas to experiential and cultural elements,' says Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. 'Achieving this milestone is proof of the incredible way our unified team works together and is a clear win for WestJet and our guests; it's also a story of transformation in Canadian aviation. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed!' WestJet acquired Sunwing in May 2023, the first step of many in bringing together two distinctly Canadian travel and tourism success stories, as part of WestJet's ambition to be the leader in providing affordable and accessible sun and leisure travel for Canadians. The vision to integrate Sunwing Airlines, realized on May 29, 2025, is part of the airline's strategy to deliver new and competitive travel options, and greater overall value for Canadians in sun and leisure market, while strengthening Canada's travel industry at a critical time. WestJet has now integrated all jet aircraft under a single Air Operator Certificate (AOC), including 16 former Swoop aircraft, another nine former Lynx Air aircraft which were secured after that airline went out of business, and now 18 more from Sunwing Airlines. WestJet's unified narrowbody operation will begin to realize efficiencies once it transforms these aircraft with cabin reconfigurations to the WestJet standard interior being completed through 2025. The result of this integration will be a consistent onboard experience for guests, with a more diverse range of onboard product offerings, including Premium, Economy, Extended Comfort, and UltraBasic seating available on all 150 Boeing 737 aircraft across the airline. WestJet's concept for expanding cabin optionality will serve the evolving needs of Canadian travellers who appreciate the ability to choose between a range of products and price points, without compromising on network. Additionally, guests flying on WestJet with reservations through the Sunwing Vacations brand, which continues to exist as Canada's post popular vacations provider, or its wholly owned tour operator businesses, can expect an improved end-to-end travel experience, as Canada's leading vacations provider continues to streamline processes and booking flows with guests in mind. 'The final Sunwing-operated flight this week is a time to reflect,' von Hoensbroech notes, recognizing that Sunwing has played an important and influential role in the Canadian leisure travel market. 'I know every Sunwing employee, past and present feels their contributions have mattered to advancing the experience of air travel. To all WestJetters and former Sunwing team members: thank you. This milestone is your achievement, and a proud moment for us all.'
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Summer is in full swing at Sunwing Vacations, as all customers travel on board WestJet-operated flights starting today, with vacation packages to 13 popular sun destinations
All Sunwing Airlines aircraft have fully transitioned over to WestJet's fleet, bringing an enhanced airport and onboard experience for vacation customers TORONTO, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ – Sunwing Vacations is pleased to share that, effective today, all vacation package customers will travel on board WestJet-operated flights. This follows on the heels of the final Sunwing Airlines flights taking off yesterday, May 28th, and the last aircraft being fully integrated into WestJet's fleet, bringing a unified airport and onboard experience for all Sunwing Vacations customers. Key changes to the customer journey take effect today, in alignment with WestJet policies and ancillaries, as noted in Sunwing's initial 2025 summer schedule announcement. These changes include: Sunwing Vacations package customers will now check in at the WestJet airport counter, or online on or the WestJet App (online and App check-in available 24 hours before departure); WestJet reservation codes (required for flight check-in) will be available via Sunwing's Manage My Booking five days before departure; Customers will be entitled to one free personal item and one free carry-on item; An Early Booking Baggage Incentive is available for Sunwing Vacations customers, where the first checked bag will be free when booking a qualified vacation package at least two months before departure (specific booking and travel windows apply); Checked bags are also available for purchase for last-minute bookings, starting from $35 per bag; Customers can select Standard Economy or Exit Row seating starting from $15, with limited Extended Comfort seating available for an additional cost on select flight routes; Ancillaries including baggage, seat selection and excursions will be available through Sunwing's Manage My Booking or the Sunwing Sales Centre up to 24 hours before departure. 'Today marks a significant milestone, as all Sunwing Vacations package customers will travel on board WestJet flights now that the final Sunwing Airlines aircraft have been integrated into WestJet. This transition is important because it will deliver a unified experience to our guests, both at the airport and in the sky, in addition to enhancing connectivity and allowing us to provide more vacation packages to our valued customers on a year-round basis,' said Andrew Dawson, President of Sunwing Vacations Group. 'I would also like to personally thank everyone at Sunwing Airlines for their incredible service and contributions. As our primary airline partner for more than 19 years, we would not be here today without the dedication of the airline employees who helped us make vacation dreams come true for so many Canadians from coast-to-coast. Thank you for all you have done for our mutual customers. As we look ahead to this next phase of Sunwing Vacations' growth, I am confident our customers will experience the tremendous value of a Sunwing vacation alongside the enhanced benefits of travelling on WestJet flights, including caring crew, a friendly onboard experience and reliable service.' This summer, customers can look forward to vacation packages to a variety of trending sun destinations including St. Maarten, Freeport and Panama, as well as longtime favourites such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Varadero and more. Sunwing Vacations customers can find helpful information to prepare for their travel journey by visiting the Airline Information section on Sunwing's website. Plus, travellers can book their summer vacation packages on or by connecting with their local travel advisor. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Summer is in full swing at Sunwing Vacations, as all customers travel on board WestJet-operated flights starting today, with vacation packages to 13 popular sun destinations
All Sunwing Airlines aircraft have fully transitioned over to WestJet's fleet, bringing an enhanced airport and onboard experience for vacation customers TORONTO, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Sunwing Vacations is pleased to share that, effective today, all vacation package customers will travel on board WestJet-operated flights. This follows on the heels of the final Sunwing Airlines flights taking off yesterday, May 28th, and the last aircraft being fully integrated into WestJet's fleet, bringing a unified airport and onboard experience for all Sunwing Vacations customers. Key changes to the customer journey take effect today, in alignment with WestJet policies and ancillaries, as noted in Sunwing's initial 2025 summer schedule announcement. These changes include: Sunwing Vacations package customers will now check in at the WestJet airport counter, or online on or the WestJet App (online and App check-in available 24 hours before departure); WestJet reservation codes (required for flight check-in) will be available via Sunwing's Manage My Booking five days before departure; Customers will be entitled to one free personal item and one free carry-on item; An Early Booking Baggage Incentive is available for Sunwing Vacations customers, where the first checked bag will be free when booking a qualified vacation package at least two months before departure (specific booking and travel windows apply); Checked bags are also available for purchase for last-minute bookings, starting from $35 per bag; Customers can select Standard Economy or Exit Row seating starting from $15, with limited Extended Comfort seating available for an additional cost on select flight routes; Ancillaries including baggage, seat selection and excursions will be available through Sunwing's Manage My Booking or the Sunwing Sales Centre up to 24 hours before departure. "Today marks a significant milestone, as all Sunwing Vacations package customers will travel on board WestJet flights now that the final Sunwing Airlines aircraft have been integrated into WestJet. This transition is important because it will deliver a unified experience to our guests, both at the airport and in the sky, in addition to enhancing connectivity and allowing us to provide more vacation packages to our valued customers on a year-round basis," said Andrew Dawson, President of Sunwing Vacations Group. "I would also like to personally thank everyone at Sunwing Airlines for their incredible service and contributions. As our primary airline partner for more than 19 years, we would not be here today without the dedication of the airline employees who helped us make vacation dreams come true for so many Canadians from coast-to-coast. Thank you for all you have done for our mutual customers. As we look ahead to this next phase of Sunwing Vacations' growth, I am confident our customers will experience the tremendous value of a Sunwing vacation alongside the enhanced benefits of travelling on WestJet flights, including caring crew, a friendly onboard experience and reliable service." This summer, customers can look forward to vacation packages to a variety of trending sun destinations including St. Maarten, Freeport and Panama, as well as longtime favourites such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Varadero and more. Sunwing Vacations customers can find helpful information to prepare for their travel journey by visiting the Airline Information section on Sunwing's website. Plus, travellers can book their summer vacation packages on or by connecting with their local travel advisor. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc. View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Summer is in full swing at Sunwing Vacations, as all customers travel on board WestJet-operated flights starting today, with vacation packages to 13 popular sun destinations Français
Key changes to the customer journey take effect today, in alignment with WestJet policies and ancillaries, as noted in Sunwing's initial 2025 summer schedule announcement. These changes include: Sunwing Vacations package customers will now check in at the WestJet airport counter, or online on or the WestJet App (online and App check-in available 24 hours before departure); WestJet reservation codes (required for flight check-in) will be available via Sunwing's Manage My Booking five days before departure; Customers will be entitled to one free personal item and one free carry-on item; An Early Booking Baggage Incentive is available for Sunwing Vacations customers, where the first checked bag will be free when booking a qualified vacation package at least two months before departure (specific booking and travel windows apply); Checked bags are also available for purchase for last-minute bookings, starting from $35 per bag; Customers can select Standard Economy or Exit Row seating starting from $15, with limited Extended Comfort seating available for an additional cost on select flight routes; Ancillaries including baggage, seat selection and excursions will be available through Sunwing's Manage My Booking or the Sunwing Sales Centre up to 24 hours before departure. "Today marks a significant milestone, as all Sunwing Vacations package customers will travel on board WestJet flights now that the final Sunwing Airlines aircraft have been integrated into WestJet. This transition is important because it will deliver a unified experience to our guests, both at the airport and in the sky, in addition to enhancing connectivity and allowing us to provide more vacation packages to our valued customers on a year-round basis," said Andrew Dawson, President of Sunwing Vacations Group. "I would also like to personally thank everyone at Sunwing Airlines for their incredible service and contributions. As our primary airline partner for more than 19 years, we would not be here today without the dedication of the airline employees who helped us make vacation dreams come true for so many Canadians from coast-to-coast. Thank you for all you have done for our mutual customers. As we look ahead to this next phase of Sunwing Vacations' growth, I am confident our customers will experience the tremendous value of a Sunwing vacation alongside the enhanced benefits of travelling on WestJet flights, including caring crew, a friendly onboard experience and reliable service." This summer, customers can look forward to vacation packages to a variety of trending sun destinations including St. Maarten, Freeport and Panama, as well as longtime favourites such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Varadero and more. Sunwing Vacations customers can find helpful information to prepare for their travel journey by visiting the Airline Information section on Sunwing's website. Plus, travellers can book their summer vacation packages on or by connecting with their local travel advisor. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Varcoe: U.S. air travel demand 'has not recovered' yet from Canadians cancelling trips south, says WestJet CEO
The temperature surrounding trade tensions between Canada and the United States may have been lowered, slightly, in recent weeks with less '51st state' talk from President Donald Trump — but Canadian travellers don't seem to be in a forgiving mood. At least, not yet. Since the beginning of February, demand for air travel to the U.S. has dropped significantly and 'it has not recovered since,' WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said this week. 'There are some markets that are picking up a bit, but I think it's still early days,' von Hoensbroech told reporters Tuesday after speaking to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. 'So it's not a change in trend up to this moment.' The head of the country's second-largest airline delivered an address about the state of the company — and Canada's airline industry — to the local business group, discussing the challenges, opportunities and major developments ahead. That included WestJet officially completing its integration of Sunwing Airlines on Wednesday, two years after the acquisition was initially announced. One of the broader issues facing the entire airline sector is the phenomenon of Canadians cancelling holiday plans, or simply opting to not book spring and summer trips into the United States. WestJet suspends nine U.S. routes as Canadians fly elsewhere 'U.S. tourism is going to lose out': Calgarians looking elsewhere to travel this year The trend began earlier this year after Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico — and, later, other countries — and it was exacerbated by the president's repeated talk about Canada becoming a U.S. state. 'When all the rhetoric started around 51st state and tariffs and so on, we could see in our bookings how angry Canadians became,' von Hoensbroech told the audience. 'We saw that literally . . . thousands of Canadians that had their vacations booked or planned into Florida and California, thought, 'Ahh, maybe Jamaica and Mexico are also nice sun destinations.' So they cancelled those, which was a short-term issue for us. 'We then shifted our own flights from Florida into the Caribbean, and from California and Arizona into Mexico . . . However, it's not net neutral. So we did see a significant impact in our business.' Canadians booked air travel to other countries, but it did have an impact, he added. 'If I just look into how our next couple of months are booked, then I see sort of mid-to-high teens (percentage) less bookings than there were a year ago,' he said after the speech. The phenomenon of Canadians opting not to travel to the U.S. has been showing up in cross-border travel statistics for several months. The country's largest airline, Air Canada, reported earlier this month that it was seeing booking on transborder markets drop by low teens percentage points, on average, for the following six months. In April, return trips by Canadians by air fell 20 per cent compared with the same month a year earlier, according to Statistics Canada preliminary figures. Return trips by automobile plunged 35 per cent — the fourth straight month of year-over-year declines in both categories. A research note by ATB Economics on Wednesday pointed out the number of Canadians returning from south of the border through the Calgary and Edmonton airports dropped 5.6 per cent during the first four months of 2025 from year-earlier levels. And it's not just Canadian flyers showing their displeasure with the trade war by shifting their travel patterns. Through April, the number of Canadians returning from the U.S. by both air and road fell 22 per cent, and for Alberta, it decreased eight per cent from the same period last year, said ATB deputy chief economist Rob Roach. The trade conflict will lead to more Albertans travelling to other countries outside the U.S., but it will also likely see more consumers taking vacations and spending their tourism dollars inside the country, Roach said in an interview. 'I do think it's a temporary thing, but it will last and go (on) as long as the trade war is hot,' he said Wednesday. 'They are still tariffs and we are one tweet away — or Truth Social post away — from this blowing up again. So, until there's a sense that things are back to normal, I think we'll see this reflected in the actual numbers.' After Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Trump in Washington earlier this month, the annexation discussion subsided from the White House. However, the U.S. president mentioned it again on social media Tuesday, saying Canada could join his country's Golden Dome defence system for $61 billion but it would cost 'ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st state. They are considering our offer!' How long could a travel boycott continue? 'We do assume that at some point in time, there will be some kind of agreement, hopefully,' von Hoensbroech added. 'What we have seen in the past in our industry is that whenever there's a change in demand pattern for political reasons, it's usually transitional, and long-term demand trends usually flow back.' Susan Bell, a senior vice-president with consultancy Rystad Energy, said the decline in travel to the U.S. isn't just coming from Canada, but also from fewer travellers coming from other countries — and it's showing up in less jet fuel demand. About 20 per cent of U.S. aviation fuel demand is typically tied to international flights. 'Foreign travel into the U.S. has dropped dramatically,' Bell said at a Rystad conference in Calgary on Wednesday. 'Europeans are not travelling to the U.S. People from Mexico are not travelling to the U.S., and that is really impacting international jet fuel demand in the U.S.' Chris Varcoe is a Calgary Herald columnist. cvarcoe@
