WestJet donates record number of flights to charity

WestJet, Canada’s largest discount carrier, is donating 800 flight tickets to Hope Air, a charity that helps sick children who need to travel from their home to other cities for medical treatments fly for free. In previous years, WestJet had donated around 627 free tickets, but its involvement in this charity reached its highest point this year. The airline, however, has a long history of working together with Hope Air. WestJet has given gifts of free flights and other aid to this charity for the past 11 years. Richard Bartrem, WestJet’s vice president, referred to Hope Air as a “caring and dedicated” organization, and noted that his airline has long been committed to providing support for ventures that focus on children’s health issues.

One way that WestJet has raised awareness and support for this issue is through their WestJet Airports Games, a biannual event that allows the company’s employees from cities around Canada to converge in one location and compete against each other in fulfilling air travel related tasks. This year’s games were held in Calgary, with ground staff and airline crew from 27 cities participating in the event.

WestJet currently flies to 38 cities in Canada, the United States, and holiday destination in the Caribbean. The airline is, however, most known for its unique corporate culture, which focuses on keeping staff efficient and satisfied at the same time, as well as providing very friendly and personal customer service to clients. The carrier flies a fleet of B-737 aircraft, with increased legroom and in-seat screens for all passengers. Despite its no-frills status, WestJet does provide free drinks and snacks on board all flights.

www.westjet.com