WestJet Cargo has expanded its offering for the transport of high-value cargo through the launch of its dedicated product, “Safe'Air”, citing increased demand for such service.
in January, initially between Canada and the US.
In the announcement, it said that in January, it would be initially launched between Canad and the US. Following the launch in North America the service would soon be available across the entire WestJet network.
WestJet Cargo noted that aside from reliability and security, the product also offers the necessary discretion expected in shipping every kind of valuable cargo.
It added that it had extended its product portfolio and premiered a comprehensive solution for the transport of high-value cargo, be it banknotes, jewellery, precious metals and stones, or other highly valuable goods.
"Our commitment to excellence extends to every area of our business, from network to operations to anticipating and meeting the needs of our customers," said Kirsten de Bruijn, executive vice-president of cargo at WestJet.
"The trust and market demand that our dedicated cargo operations have garnered in just half a year has also led to increasing demand for a dedicated valuables product. We have therefore been hard at work establishing our very own WestJet to both operationally safeguard those high-value shipments entrusted to us and commercially ensure that we always deliver on our promises," de Bruijn added.
WestJet noted that the product catered to a diverse range of sectors requiring secure and specialized handling of their valuable cargo and was developed in close collaboration with freight forwarders focused on the secure cargo transportation of these high-value goods, from banking to luxury goods, high-end technology, pharmaceuticals, and confidential document transport.
"Our product has been meticulously designed with the utmost emphasis on security and efficiency. Every step of the valuable handling process has been painstakingly analysed, potential risks identified, and measures implemented to mitigate them," commented Nawal Mir, product manager at WestJet Cargo.
He added that those dedicated security measures put in place to prevent tampering, pilferage, and unauthorized access include third-party oversight, direct supervision, secure storage protocols, and the use of specialised security containers.
Mir further said that each container bears a unique serial number and is sealed with high-quality, individually numbered metal seals.
All valuable cargo is also escorted by security agents and transported separately to and from the aircraft.
"All hands on deck, all eyes on the ball, and absolutely no loopholes allowed. We've created a true ‘Freight Knox’ service at four of our stations and will roll it out to other destinations as soon as we are certain they are ready and capable of delivery," he said.
WestJet Cargo said the high-value service is initially available between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Calgary International Airport (YYC), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
All other stations will be launched in priority of customer demand from next year.
