WestJet CEO calls London flights a success, despite problems

WestJet's CEO proclaimed the airline's expansion to Europe as one of the best decisions made in its 20-year history, despite mechanical problems and passenger complaints.

In the past, chief executive officer Gregg Saretskyhad calledthe route to Londona "hobbled operation," but hedid not acknowledge any problems in a speech on Thursday at the International Pipeline Conference in Calgary.

"It's been among the most successful things we've done," he said. "From Day 1 we've been full."

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WestJet bought four wide-body aircraft to start flying across the Atlantic about a year ago. On average, the planes are 24 years old and had several mechanical issues, leading to flight delays and cancellations.

I'd like to say we understand travellers very well- Greg Saretsky, WestJet CEO

Last week, Saretsky blamed the early problems on therepair company hired by Boeing to fix the planes.

Earlier this month, anEdmonton-boundWestJet flight from London was diverted to Iceland because of engine problems. Passengers heard a loud bang a few hours after takeoff.

Each cancelled flight, or flight delayed more than four hours, coststhe airlineapproximately $225,000 in compensation to passengers, if the plane is full.

Saretskysaid the airline acquired the wide-body aircraft so the company can reach new markets.

"Many industry analysts said it was the stupidest thing they had ever seen, because WestJet'shistory for 20 years was that we built on the beautiful simplicity of having a single fleet of 737s, why would we make it complicated by adding 767s?" Saretsky said.

WestJetbroke the mould by charging formeals and for all checked bags on international flights.

"Many laughed at WestJet saying, 'They don't really understand long-haul travel,because every other internationalairline does a free meal.' I'd like to say we understand travellers very well, because no one else sells London for $299," Saretsky said.

Fewer than fiveper cent of the flights to London havebeen cancelled, WestJet has previously said.

Alberta woes

In his speech, Saretsky also lamented the high cost of airport improvement fees and other charges that lead to higher ticket prices in the country. He also spoke about how the airline has felt Alberta's economic pain with slumping oil and gas prices.

"We've had to take some body blows, as we call them, to survive and thrive in the current tough environment."

WestJet responded by moving some of its fleet away from Alberta to other parts of the country, freezing head office wages, evaluating whether to fill vacancies and deferring plane deliveries.

About 45 per cent of WestJet flights touch Alberta, he said.

Saretskycancelled his media session with reporters, which was to follow the speech, because of scheduling.

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