WestJet Cargo is hoping to see continued growth in bellyhold cargo volumes through network expansion and digital investments following its almost two-year foray into freighter operations.
Last month, the airline confirmed its decision to end its freighter operation, which at its height offered capacity on four Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
In a press release, the airline’s cargo head Kirsten de Bruijn, who has since announced she will be leaving the airline, explained that the freighter business was beset with “timing delays” and “additional complexity” that no longer made it the “right commitment”.
The conversion programme for the aircraft WestJet planned to operate required approval from Canadian authorities which took longer than expected.
The airline took delivery of its first freighter in April 2022, but was not able to put the aircraft into service until a year later due to the time it took for Boeing to gain approval for its conversion programme.
In the meantime, a post-Covid boom in cargo demand had eased off.
However, the airline is positive about its future in cargo. WestJet said that 2024 was "highly successful" as it saw a "surge in belly cargo demand" and cargo revenues increased by 60% year on year.
WestJet said the increases were on the back of its expanded network with new routes and partnerships, and its investment in digital services.
The airline recorded "strong performance" on key routes such as "Narita-Calgary" and "Incheon-Calgary", de Bruijn said.
Looking ahead, the airline said it was "committed to expanding belly cargo opportunities in markets where WestJet operates passenger service, as well as offering cargo on new routes".
WestJet pointed out that it recently announced a block space agreement with Virgin Atlantic on services between Toronto and London.
On the digital front, it has launched a new website to improve booking and partnered with third-party booking portals cargo.one and CargoAi.
“As WestJet welcomes more aircraft to its passenger fleet, WestJet Cargo will grow alongside,” said Julius Mooney, WestJet director of commercial cargo.
“Supported by a strong logistics and operations team, WestJet Cargo is poised to continue its successful growth in the competitive belly cargo sector.”
