WestJet To Buy Sunwing

Media reports say Calgary-based WestJet will announce Wednesday 02MAR that it is buying Toronto-based Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations.

The purchase price has not been disclosed but the companies say the takeover could be concluded before the end of the year.

In a joint interview, Alexis von Hoensbroech, chief executive officer of WestJet, and Stephen Hunter, Sunwing’s CEO, said there would be no job losses as a result of the purchase.

“We have a lot of staff [who] have been here for a long time. So I have many sleepless nights thinking about how we’re going to get through this pandemic,” said Hunter.

“Not only is it going to be okay because finally, our Prime Minister helped us out with his announcement a couple of weeks ago [on looser COVID-19 testing rules for travelers] and sales have been tremendously good for everybody across the sector. But ultimately this marriage will mean more jobs for Canadians.”