WestJet integration of Sunwing Airlines one step closer as crew begin training

The merging of Sunwing Airlines with WestJet reached a milestone this week as Sunwing’s cabin crew officially began integration training with the Calgary-based airline.

“Years of hard work and planning have led to this day,” wrote WestJet Component, the union that represents 4,800 cabin crew members at WestJet, WestJet Encore and Sunwing, on its Facebook page Monday (March 3) when the “first class” for Sunwing’s crew took place.

The union wrote that it looks forward to welcoming Sunwing colleagues to WestJet, “growing our unified group” as bargaining for a second Collective Agreement commences later this year.

All WestJet, all the time, starting May 29

WestJet and Sunwing Airlines are integrating their operations, with a completion date set for April 27, 2025, which is delayed the original goal of completing the process by October 2024.

The integration will include moving Sunwing's Boeing 737s onto WestJet's air operator certificate (AOC).

This long-term strategy, which will also lead to the reconfiguration of Sunwing aircraft, is about “enhancing our ability to meet the diverse travel and product needs of all Canadians," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group, in a statement last year.

The integration is complex as it involves multiple stakeholders, such as Transport Canada and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).

Both airlines are currently operating as usual for the winter 2024-25 season, but the integration will allow for a single summer 2025 network schedule.

As previously reported, Sunwing Vacations package customers can expect WestJet aircraft this summer, with all flights provided by WestJet starting May 29, 2025.

“With the final Sunwing Airlines aircraft being integrated into WestJet’s fleet by the end of May, all Sunwing Vacations package customers will travel on board WestJet flights effective May 29,” said Andrew Dawson, president of Sunwing Vacations Group, in a statement last month.

“This transition will enhance connectivity and enable us to service more clients across the country on a year-round basis, and we can’t wait for more travel advisors and clients, including in the province of Quebec, to experience the benefits and value of an all-inclusive Sunwing vacation this summer and beyond.”

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