Canada’s WestJet to start B737 freighter ops in 2Q22

WestJet (WS, Calgary) is set to venture into the freighter segment with the induction of its first B737-800(BCF) set for the second quarter of 2022. “Our new dedicated commercial cargo aircraft are a natural evolution of the competitive guest services WestJet has successfully provided over our 25-year history. It will provide cargo customers with the reliable on-time performance and competitive cost advantage synonymous with WestJet,” Executive Vice-President (Cargo) Charles Duncan said in a statement. The Canadian carrier did not specify the number of B737 freighters it would add in total, saying only that it would grow the fleet throughout 2022. WestJet already offers cargo services, albeit using bellyhold capacity on its passenger jets. A spokesman has since confirmed to ch-aviation the incoming freighters will be placed on the mainline WestJet AOC. There are no plans to pursue a separate certificate for cargo. According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, WestJet’s fleet entails thirteen B737-600s, forty-eight B737-700s, thirty-nine B737-800s, fourteen B737-8s, and six B787-9s. Its WestJet Encore (WR, Calgary) subsidiary operates forty-seven Dash 8-400s.