WestJet’s new boss says he can see «no limit» to the international opportunities for the Calgary-based airline, eyeing potential growth in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
CEO Ed Sims says that with advances in fuel efficiency and airplane technology, there’s opportunity not only to take more Canadians abroad, but to attract more travellers to Canada.
«We only have a population of 35 million here, but we have the opportunity to fly to populations of three billion,» Sims told CBC News.
«There is absolutely unlimited opportunity … to tap in to vast markets in Asia, still huge markets in Europe, an enormous market in Latin America, with unlimited opportunity to boost tourism to this country.»
WestJet first made a name for itself as a low-cost domestic airline. Over the years, it has expanded to destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and, most recently, Europe.
But last year, the company placed a firm order for 10 Boeing Dreamliners, which will have the range and fuel efficiency to reach more distant markets.
WestJet’s first Dreamliner 787s are expected to be delivered between the first quarter of 2019 and December 2021.
The airline also has an option to buy an additional 10 Dreamliners to be delivered between 2020 and 2024.
With a range of up to 14,000 kilometres, the jets are said to be as much as 20 per cent more fuel efficient than WestJet’s current fleet of 767s.
Sims said the most significant element of the company’s growth plans focuses on Canadian travellers, but he said that they would also look to bring international guests to Canada.
«Whether that’s from Guangzhou, whether that’s from Rio de Janeiro, whether that’s from London, we can effectively build a Canadian experience in conjunction with partners, like Destination Canada, from the moment somebody walks on board our aircraft,» he said…
