A further major shake-up of Canada’s commercial aviation landscape is underway as WestJet confirms it is to buy low-cost leisure rival Sunwing.
"This is an exciting moment for WestJet, Sunwing and Canada's travel industry," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet. "We are bringing together two highly complementary businesses with powerhouse brands to strengthen our successful leisure business and deliver greater value to our guests."
Financial details about the size or nature of the deal were not immediately available - however, if realised, it will likely be the biggest transaction in the Canadian airline market since the attempted merger between Air Canada and Air Transat in 2020. That deal was later abandoned due to a lack of international regulatory approvals.
Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing, added: "We have a very promising future as part of The WestJet Group, which is one of the only airlines in the world that has not issued debt or equity during the pandemic, or accepted sector-specific government aid.
