Canadian airline WestJet Cargo has launched a new cargo route to Havana, Cuba, the carrier's first venture into the Cuban capital.
Calgary-headquartered WestJet Cargo is operating one weekly Boeing 737-800 freighter flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba.
The airline offers 20 tonnes cargo capacity per flight, per week to help address the growing demand for cargo transport in Canada.
WestJet Cargo launched its first-ever freighter service in April. This followed the certification of its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) in March.
The airline secured the use four B737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), after WestJet decided to launch dedicated freighter operations in 2021.
Westjet has confirmed that all four 737BCFs have now entered service.
"This new aircraft, along with the other three, has been equipped with HF (high frequency) and SATCOM during the summer. This upgrade allows WestJet Cargo to extend its flight range beyond North America and over water, making it possible for the airline to service markets like HAV (Havana) and beyond," WestJet told Air Cargo News (ACN).
The plan for the freighters was to initially focus service within North America, serving Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami. But the carrier also aims to expand into Latin America.
In February 2022, the airline announced a partnership with the GTA group for the provision of cargo handling services. Together, with WestJet Cargo, it also sells and manages freighter capacity.
