A few short weeks ago WestJet concluded its acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and this past weekend saw news begin to circulate about the WestJet shutting down its recent purchase. Today, WestJet confirmed that news by announcing plans to integrate Sunwing Airlines into their mainline operation starting sometime in 2024.
“We are confident that the future integration of Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group, following that of our ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop will significantly enhance our ability to provide affordability and choice to our guests,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. “The integration of all jets from Sunwing Airlines, Swoop and WestJet into one fleet will provide us with the scale to enhance our collective operational resilience, while offering more affordable fares and vacation opportunities across our entire network.”
Until that time Sunwing Airlines will continue to operate as a separate entity however Sunwing Vacations (or at very least their offices in Toronto and Montreal) will remain in place for at least five years as was required by the agreement for takeover.
Will airfares increase?
With WestJet Vacations (including Sunwing Vacations), Air Canada Vacations and Transat all competing in the packaged vacation space those who fly out of the larger markets should be safe from seeing increased airfares as a result of the integration. Where there is a chance to see significant increases are out of smaller cities where Sunwing was WestJet’s largest competitor.
Both WestJet and Sunwing offered vacation packages out of cities like Ft. McMurray, Regina, and Saskatoon and now it will left toWestJet. Granted, you can book Air Canada Vacations packages out of many of those cities but those will require connecting in a larger city – which many packaged vacation travellers try to avoid at all costs especially when Canadian winter weather wreaks havoc at our airports!