This decision takes effect for Sunquest's winter 2012-2013 program, which commences in November 2012, and follows on the heels of the already planned summer flying program with WestJet.
"Known for its quality, reliability and outstanding customer service, WestJet has been a key partner for Sunquest and the wider portfolio of Thomas Cook brands for the last couple of years," said Dean Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook North America. "Following our recent review of the Sunquest business and specifically its charter flying program, WestJet provides us with the level of flexibility we needed, as well as the opportunity to expand our product offering by taking advantage of the significant scale of WestJet's fleet and the breadth of their network." Sunquest will have access to airline seat capacity from WestJet's existing flight network.
WestJet features a modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft flying a network of 76 cities throughout North America and the Caribbean. Known for its award-winning guest experiences, Sunquest customers will benefit from more competitive pricing, increased value and WestJet's unrivalled customer service.
"We are very pleased to announce this agreement," commented Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "Thomas Cook's decision to replace their flying with our aircraft for the Canadian market and allow WestJet to serve their customers speaks to their confidence in what our WestJetters do so well."
"In light of our recent decision to discontinue deploying Thomas Cook aircraft in Canada, the extension of the WestJet agreement is a natural choice as it has operated a significant portion of Sunquest's winter flying program since the 2009-2010 season and the full summer program since 2010," continued Moore. "Known as "Canada's preferred airline", we are delighted to be able to offer the level of service that WestJet is known for to all of our Sunquest customers. It acts as the perfect complement to our product and enables us to provide exceptional vacation experiences from start to finish."
"We are very pleased to announce this expanded relationship," commented Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "Thomas Cook's decision to fly from the Canadian market with our aircraft speaks to its confidence in what our WestJetters do so well. We look forward to welcoming on board even more Sunquest guests in the near future."
"Known for its quality, reliability and outstanding customer service, WestJet has been a key partner for Sunquest and the wider portfolio of Thomas Cook Canada brands for the last couple of years," said Dean Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook North America. "Building upon an already strong and mutually beneficial partnership, this enhanced relationship provides us with the opportunity to expand our product offering by taking advantage of the significant scale of WestJet's fleet and the breadth of their network. It gives us room to grow, the flexibility we were looking for and further opportunity to provide Sunquest customers with exceptional vacation experiences from start to finish."
"Not only will this improve our fleet utilization, it provides further economic justification for WestJet's fleet growth in the coming years," continued Gregg Saretsky. "We have now made the decision to cover a component of the Thomas Cook seat purchase by extending the leases on three aircraft that were due to be returned in early 2013. Together with three new aircraft deliveries in 2012 and five in 2013, our entire fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737s creates a unique opportunity for WestJet to serve the capacity needs of the Thomas Cook Canada business in a cost-effective way."