WestJet works to return 16 aircraft to service following hailstorm
WestJet continues to feel the impact of the storm system that impacted the Calgary-based carrier’s hub on 5 August, with more than 10% of its fleet continuing to undergo inspection and repairs.
Expressing his disappointment that the “compounding impacts of last week’s hailstorm” continue to impact passengers’ travel plans, president of WestJet airlines and chief operating officer of WestJet Group Diederik Pen noted his frustration at the “unpredictable nature of the summer travel season”.
However, he added that dedicated technical operations teams (having travelled from across the airline’s network) are “working around the clock to return [WestJet’s] fleet to its full capacity”. Inevitably, though, cancellations remain inevitable, with the carrier currently cancelling an average of 50 flights a day.
Alongside its “proactive cancellations,” WestJet is also “actively pursuing every avenue including adding additional flights operated by WestJet Encore and partner, Canadian North,” to help reduce cancellations. It has also engaged Boeing and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) to secure additional resourcing and help expedite aircraft repairs.
