After a hiatus last year, WestJet hosted a gala awards event, or “hangar party” as it was dubbed, for its retail travel partners at the airline’s facility at Pearson airport in Mississauga on Tuesday. The 2020 Travel Partner Awards recognized 16 companies and included more than 300 guests, who were also afforded an opportunity to board the carrier’s newest Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft.
“This is a celebration about you. We know how important you are,” said Chuck Crowder, WestJet VP, Sales, Distribution and Contact Centres.
The awards recognized three main categories: Top Premium Air Sales, WestJet Airlines; Top Revenue Growth, WestJet Airlines; and Top Revenue Growth, WestJet Vacations.
List of winners:
Top Premium Air Sales, WestJet Airlines 2019
• Platinum partner: American Express Global Business Travel
• Gold partner: Merit Travel Group
• Silver partner: TierOne Travel
• Teal Plus partner: Elite Travel Management
• Specialty Sales partner: Travel Brands
• OTA partner: Expedia
Top Revenue Growth, WestJet Airlines 2019
• Platinum partner: BCD Travel
• Gold partner: Egencia
• Silver partner: YYZ Travel Group
• Teal Plus partner: Costco Travel Canada
• Specialty Sales partner: Agencia Global
• OTA partner: Hopper
Top Revenue Growth, WestJet Vacations 2019
• Platinum partner: Red Label Vacations
• Gold partner: Alberta Motor Association
• Silver partner: The Travel Agent Next Door
• Teal Plus partner: TravelOnly
Crowder and several colleagues also took the opportunity to update the audience on the airline’s continuing evolution and “strategic internal growth” into a “premium global carrier,” including pending approval for a codeshare with Delta (anticipated by the end of April); coming enhancements to its web site and mobile app, plus a “reimagined, inspirational” digital check-in; experimentation with augmented reality; and paperless future, amongst other innovations.
Leah McDonald, advisor to the chief operating officer, touted the airline’s top on-time performance in Canada (“unequivocally the biggest driver of guest satisfaction”), and noted continuing refurbishment of the airline’s 737 fleet (half completed), and a new flagship lounge in Calgary due to open this fall.
She also vowed, “We’re zeroed in on consistency” in all facets of the buying/flying experience – something she admitted the company hasn’t always demonstrated.
But for all the changes, Crowder, cautioned the crowd, “Please remember, we’re not losing our identity.”
Jane Clementino, director of agency sales, also pointed out that her team has doubled in the past year, offering more resources for agency partners. “We’re investing in you,” she stated.
DREAMLINER
Meanwhile, event guests were also invited to inspect the WestJet’s newest 787-9 Dreamliner, accompanied by cabin crew to discuss the aircraft’s features and onboard products.
Among the features and amenities:
• 276 economy and 26 premium seats; and 16 private pods
• The largest windows of any aircraft (also dimmable)
• Enhanced cabin humidity and pressure levels
• Northern lights-inspired mood lighting
• Smart sensors to detect and minimize turbulence
• Onboard entertainment system with over 200 movies, 400 TV shows, 11 music channels, 20 different magazines, and 20 games.
WestJet now has four 787s, which will fly from Calgary to Dublin, Paris, London and Toronto this year. Two additional aircraft will arrive in 2020, four more in 2021 and options are held on another 10.
“This,” said Clementino, “is the new WestJet!”