With planning and integration activities “well underway,” the WestJet Group says its goal is to complete the integration of Sunwing Airlines into its mainline business by October, 2024. The move would see all of the airlines’ 727 aircraft moved into the same AOC (air operator certificate) as well as a seamless transition of the company’s 2,000 employees.

The move will have no impact on Sunwing Vacations Group and its associated vacations brands, says WestJet, which notes that its integration of its own subsidiary Swoop will be fully completed by Oct. 28, 2023.

“As we execute upon our network strategy to serve the Canadian leisure market from coast-to-coast, we look forward to consolidating Sunwing Airline’s 737 aircraft with that of WestJet’s, enhancing our ability to meet the diverse travel and product needs of all Canadians,” said WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. “Integration work will prioritize a seamless transition for Sunwing’s customers and employees as we work together to bring enhanced sun and leisure offerings to communities across the country and ensure jobs for those transferring to WestJet from Sunwing Airlines.”

WestJet notes, however, that complex nature of the integration, as well as the involvement of multiple valued stakeholders that includes Transport Canada, Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and labour partners, means that the targeted completion of integration will remain “flexible.”