WestJet Cargo grows belly cargo business, enhances digital services

WestJet’s cargo business is seeing a "surge in belly cargo demand," expanded its network with new routes and partnerships and embraced digital innovation to enhance the customer experience.

“WestJet’s belly cargo business has emerged as a key driver of success for WestJet Cargo, with a 60 per cent year-over-year increase in revenue,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet's EVP, Cargo, in a press release. “We’ve seen strong performance on key routes like Narita-Calgary Incheon-Calgary.” 

While the airline recently confirmed it would eventually phase out its four dedicated freighters, it is expanding belly cargo opportunities in markets where WestJet operates passenger service, as well as offering cargo on new routes. 

READ MORE: WestJet exploring new opportunities for freighter fleet as cargo EVP resigns

“As WestJet welcomes more aircraft to its passenger fleet, WestJet Cargo will grow alongside,” said Julius Mooney, WestJet Director of Commercial Cargo, in a release. “Supported by a strong logistics and operations team, WestJet Cargo is poised to continue its successful growth in the competitive belly cargo sector.” 

Global connections with Virgin Atlantic

Last month, WestJet announced a Block Space Agreement (BSA) with Virgin Atlantic from Toronto (YYZ) to London (LHR). 

The deal boosts cargo capacity between the East Coast of Canada to London and beyond on Virgin Atlantic’s network, strengthening trade links between Canada and key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Digital innovation enhances service

WestJet Cargo has rolled out a revamped website and digital platforms, streamlining the booking and tracking processes for guests. 

Integrated with digital freight platforms cargo.one and cargoAI, the organization has improved accessibility and operational efficiency radically over the last year. 

Through this, WestJet Cargo says it has been able to add new product offerings such as Campus’Air service for university and research cargo. 

“Building out this important growth opportunity for WestJet was very rewarding, said Bruijn, who will leave the company in June. “Unfortunately, the freighter business came with timing delays and additional complexity that no longer made it the right commitment for WestJet.” 

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