WestJet plans to close Sunwing Airlines by integrating the low-cost carrier into its core business within two years, as part of a plan to streamline operations.
In an internal memo obtained by The Canadian Press, Sunwing Airlines President Len Corrado says the change will open up growth opportunities for the 18-year-old company, as well as its employees.
The move comes just a week after WestJet opted to also consolidate the operations of low-cost subsidiary Swoop under its flagship banner.
Both moves amplify the major consolidation in the Canadian aviation market that followed WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing’s core airline and vacation divisions last month.
The memo gave no indication that Sunwing Vacations would also close, suggesting that WestJet planes could fly Sunwing vacation package customers to their destinations.
Last week, WestJet announced it would integrate Swoop into its core business by the end of October, as the country’s second-largest airline recalibrates in a fiercely competitive market.
