WestJet Cargo banks on new belly routes

Source: WestJet. Kirsten de Bruijn

WestJet Cargo aims to build its business off the back of belly capacity that is being offered on three new WestJet routes to Chicago (ORD), Moncton (YQM) and Incheon (ICN) as part of the airline’s summer schedule.

The Chicago route was opened for cargo sales on May 16, connecting Calgary to the US city three times a week. The route will offer daily flights by June 17 and will continue to operate year-round.

Operating with 737 aircraft, this route offers cargo capacities of 2.7 tonnes per flight, focusing on the transportation of perishables. This route is in addition to the weekly freighter that already operates into Chicago.

Moncton, Canada, was opened for cargo sales on May 17 to meet the growing needs of the Canadian market and will continue to operate year-round.

Also utilising a 737 aircraft, this route links Moncton to Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto with varying frequencies. There will be up to daily flights to Calgary, three to four weekly flights to Edmonton, and three to five weekly flights to Toronto.

The primary cargo for this route is live animals. The route can also handle 2.7 tonnes per flight of cargo.

The Calgary to Incheon route, launched on May 18, operates three days weekly with a 787 Dreamliner capable of carrying up to 20 tonnes of cargo per flight.

“These new routes will significantly enhance our ability to serve the Canadian market by offering greater capacity and more options for our customers,” said Kirsten De Bruijn, executive vice president of WestJet Cargo. “We’re delighted to expand our network and provide reliable and efficient cargo services to meet the growing demand.”

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Rebecca Jeffrey

Rebecca Jeffrey
New to aviation journalism, I joined Air Cargo News in late 2021 as deputy editor. I previously worked for Mercator Media’s six maritime sector magazines as a reporter, heading up news for Port Strategy. Prior to this, I was editor for Recruitment International (now TALiNT International). Contact me on: [email protected]