WestJet adds product catering for high-value cargo
12 / 12 / 2023
One of three B737-800BCF aircraft now in service with WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group
Canada-based freighter operator WestJet Cargo has launched a new product covering the high-value cargo segment.
The airline’s Safe Air service will launch in January between Canada and the US but will “rapidly expand across the entire WestJet network”.
WestJet, which launched freighter operations earlier this year, said the product will cover items such as banknotes, jewellery and precious metals and stones.
Kirsten de Bruijn, executive vice president, cargo at WestJet, said: “The trust and market demand that our dedicated cargo operations have garnered in just half a year, have 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.”
WestJet Cargo product manager Nawal Mir said that dedicated security measures have been put in place to prevent tampering, pilferage, and unauthorised access, including third-party oversight, direct supervision, secure storage protocols, and the use of specialised security containers.
Each container bears a unique serial number and is sealed with high-quality, individually numbered metal seals. All valuable cargo is 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,” Mir 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.
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