WestJet Works to Restore 16 Aircraft Damaged in Hailstorm

WestJet (WS) is actively engaged in repairing 16 aircraft significantly impacted by a severe hailstorm that struck Calgary on the evening of August 5, the airline announced. The unexpected storm resulted in the grounding of nearly 10% of WestJet’s fleet, necessitating multiple flight cancellations as repairs are underway.

In response to the situation, WestJet’s Tech Ops teams have been mobilized from various locations to Calgary and Toronto Pearson, working tirelessly to return the affected planes to service. “Our dedicated Tech Ops teams have travelled from across our network to Calgary and Toronto Pearson, where they are working around the clock to restore our fleet to full capacity,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Chief Operating Officer of parent company WestJet Group.

WestJet’s current fleet includes 182 aircraft, with a mix of Boeing 737-700s, 737-8s, 737-800s, 737-800(BCF)s, 787-9s, and DHC-8-Q400s operated by its subsidiary WestJet Encore. ADS-B data reveals that currently, seven 737-800s, three 737-700s, two 737-8s, and four DHC-8-Q400s are inactive due to the hailstorm damage.

At the time of the storm, 22 WestJet aircraft were on the ground. Four of these were moved to a hangar for protection, and nine incoming planes were diverted to alternate airports. Following the storm, two aircraft sustained only minor damage and were cleared for return to service.

Pen noted that the severity and trajectory of the hailstorm were only understood less than 30 minutes before the impact, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by the airline during this unexpected weather event.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com