By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ With nearly 1,000 WestJetters, Toronto Blue Jays representatives – including legendary players Pat Borders and Edwin Encarnacion – and community members in attendance, WestJet celebrated the renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday by unveiling a new co-branded plane that will take the iconic Jays logo to 35,000 feet, and wherever the plane flies.
“Imagine seeing that plane in a destination,” one WestJet staffer enthused at the unveiling ceremony of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with its iconic Blue Jays logo on the tail at the WestJet hangar at YYZ.
“Our renewed partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays represents a shared commitment to bringing Canadians closer together through meaningful, memorable moments,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group Executive VP and Chief Experience Officer.
“Together, we are creating opportunities to connect fans to the game they love while celebrating the spirit of community that unites us across the country,” she added. “Our co-branded aircraft is a bold and visible symbol of that connection, proudly showcasing our partnership from coast-to-coast-to-coast and reinforcing our shared dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for Canadians.”
Joining Jays alumni Encarnación and Borders (who took part in a Q&A, signed autographs and posed for pictures), was ACE, the Toronto Blue Jays’ mascot, and team who enlivened the atmosphere (banner photo), which also included interactive games for guests.
The plane’s familiar colours paired with the sweeping design are meant to depict the action of an aircraft at takeoff and the arc of a ball soaring off the bat.
The plane’s designer told Travel Industry Today that its interior will also eventually be fitted with a custom baseball design.
The aircraft is scheduled to take its first flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport today (June 24).
Partnership
Originally established in 2012, the renewed agreement coincides with a milestone year for both organizations, as the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate their 50th season and WestJet marks 30 years of connecting Canadians. The new livery and WestJet’s newest player ambassador, Ernie Clement, are just a few of the moments that celebrate the iconic partnership.
“Our partnership with WestJet has been instrumental in bringing Blue Jays baseball to fans across Canada,” said Mark Ditmars, VP, Partnerships, Toronto Blue Jays. “As we celebrate our 50th season, this renewed commitment – and the unveiling of this co-branded aircraft – reflects our share values of teamwork and building community.”
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