WestJet Cargo is starting the year on a positive note as it expects its past investments to further boost its position as a cargo carrier.

The carrier noted its "impressive achievements" in the last year but signalled that there is "a lot more to be expected" from the Canadian carrier in 2023.   

"For WestJet Cargo, 2022 will certainly be a year to remember. The essential changes of the last few months have indeed been key in building the foundations for its future success," WestJet said in a statement, adding working with GTA contributed to "massively increasing" its services and shipping capacities in Canada.

"Moreover, launching a new cargo platform in partnership with SmartKargo, new routes such as Los Angeles (LAX) and Orlando (MCO), and the announcement of 4 dedicated freighters to start operating in the new year have all contributed to affirming WestJet Cargo's position as a strong player in the demanding Canadian air freight market," it added.

The carrier also said it is strengthening its team dedicated to cargo following the appointment of Kirsten De Bruijn as executive vice president, then the arrival of Bharat Bhatia as head of cargo operations and Hao Cai as manager of network planning, revenue management & interline analytics.

Up and-coming cargo carrier

In 2023, WestJet Cargo noted that it is due to continue to follow its clear vision to be the "up-and-coming cargo carrier," providing customers with creative, agile and flexible solutions and always committing to reliability.

"What was achieved in 2022 was colossal, and I am so proud that we managed to overcome the obstacles we encountered on the way. With our new freighters due to start operating in March, WestJet Cargo will be asserting its position in the market," said Kirsten De Bruijn, executive vice president.

"Our strong identity supported by a new wave of energy and team spirit will hugely boost our development, allowing us to meet the coming challenges and making us an essential player in the industry," De Bruijn added, noting that with a new digital platform, a new team, new routes and new freighters, the carrier is "ticking all the boxes to look forward to a bright future."

"With that in mind, 2023 will definitely be significant for WestJet Cargo. There is no other option," the WestJet Cargo executive added.