There’s nothing like a little western-based competition to help bring out the competitive spirit in other western businesses.
Calgary-based WestJet signalled Thursday that it will use low air fares to compete with upstart discount airline NewLeaf, which is based in Winnipeg. This new airline announced recently that it would launch a no-frills discount air service to seven Canadian destinations, including five in western Canada. Service begins Feb. 12.
NewLeaf says it will charge for any added service, including $25 for carryon baggage and a fee if you want your boarding pass printed out. On Thursday, Harry Taylor, WestJet’s chief financial officer, responded, telling an AltaCorp conference webcast from Toronto that its airlines extra fees will only be applied to things that “add value to our guests and their experience with us.”
It’s a refreshing change for WestJet, which started 20 years ago as a lean, no-frills discount carrier not so different than NewLeaf. In fact, it even start with five destinations. As it has grown into a mature full-service provider, its fares are often comparable to that of its archrival Air Canada.
Even with promised low fares, NewLeaf faces daunting odds. Jetsgo, Canada 3000, Roots, Skyservice, Greyhound are just a few of the dozens of airlines that have come and gone in Canada. Here’s to the triumph of hope over experience.
– Doug Firby is Director of Communications