Search past winners/finalists


  • MESA logo

WestJet

Gold Stevie Award Winner 2012, Click to Enter The 2014 American Business Awards

Company: WestJet
Company Description: WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Transportation

Nomination Title: WestJet

Tell the story about what this nominated organization achieved since January 1 2012 (up to 525 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

In the last few years, WestJet has strategically invested and expanded and is on track to successfully compete with major carriers in key markets as one of the most profitable airlines in North America.

WestJet’s strategic plan is built on four pillars for long-term success:

• People and Culture – Investing in and fostering the growth, development and commitment of our people.

85% of WestJet employees participate in the share purchase program increasing engagement and participation leading to great service.

WestJet’s Caring for Our Community and Cares for Kids programs provide a way for the company and employees to give back and support the communities they serve.

For 2 years in a row, WestJet has been named to MediaCorp’s Canada’s Top 100 Employers

• Guest Experience - Consistently and continuously providing an amazing guest experience.

In 2012, WestJet took steps to focus on the business traveler market, adding new routes to NY and Chicago to and from Canada.

The company also created seat bundles, providing premium seats with extra room and amenities while maintaining lower cost vacation travel bundles.

Through over 30 code sharing agreements with major North American and international carriers, WestJet, providing access to expanded routes through WestJet, shared rewards programs.

The company enhanced the value offered to members of WestJet Rewards and  introduced the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard offering additional travel benefits like WestJet dollars and annual companion tickets.

WestJet Vacations signed an exclusive deal with Thomas Cook Tours, added more destinations up to 52, and was the fastest growing segment of WestJet’s business.  WestJet Vacations is Canada’s preferred vacation company.

WestJet invested more than $40 million to upgrade their IT infrastructure including a new booking system and a new web portal,  making it easier to book travel, hotels, cars and vacations directly. The company also increased its social media presence and was recognized with an award for excellence in 2012.

• Revenue and Growth – Achieving an average annual compound growth rate in available seat miles of between four and seven per cent.

In 2013, the company will launch its new Encore short haul airline using a new fleet of 20 Bombardier jets, serving underserved markets as well as competing with other regional and national carriers.

In 2012, WestJet increased revenue per available seat mile by 7.1%

In 2012 and 2013, a record number of guests enjoyed WestJet each month for seven months in a row.

 

• Costs – Achieving a targeted, sustainable profit margin that will be number one among North American airlines.

To reduce costs WestJet has plans to increase self service for travelers In 2012, WestJet took delivery of its 100th next generation Boeing 737, the most fuel efficient and reliable single aisle plane on the market today.

WestJet costs to fly each seat was 23% less than Air Canada’s last year, leading to the eighth straight year of profits, unmatched by any airline.

In 2012, the company increased its earnings margin by over 3%.

The actions taken by management and the employees of WestJet have helped transform the company from a regional startup to a major airline institution with a market share of over 37%.

Upload a collection of supporting files and web addresses to our server to provide more background information to the judges. You may upload any number of attachments and URLs through the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above. (Do NOT list your URLs below.)

 

Provide a brief (up to 125 words) biography about the leader of this nominated organization:

Gregg Saretsky became WestJet President and Chief Executive Officer in April 2010.
As President and CEO, Gregg is responsible for both the strategic direction of the company and the day-to-day operations of the airline. Following the lead of WestJet co-founder Clive Beddoe and board member Larry Pollock, Gregg was named Alberta's Business Person of the Year for 2012 by Alberta Venture magazine, an award he accepted on behalf of all 9,000 WestJetters who work hard each and every day to deliver a remarkable guest experience.

.