WestJet Cargo and Jettainer have extended a long-term Unit Load Device management partnership, it was announced at last week’s Air Cargo Europe trade show in Munich.
The new outsource arrangement will see Jettainer continue to manage and maintain WestJet’s entire ULD fleet.
The ULD specialist will also provide additional main deck containers as the airline continues to establish and scale up its new cargo subsidiary which made its debut in April.
Kirsten De Bruijn, executive vice-president cargo at WestJet, said: “For years, Jettainer has been a trusted provider of ULD management services for WestJet and has continued to improve and innovate its services.
“Even during Covid and post-pandemic, and despite high fluctuations in our ULD requirements, we could always count on Jettainer for the availability of the ULDs needed.
“Outsourcing ULD management allows us to fully focus on cargo sales, knowing that we have a competent partner taking care of our growing container and pallet needs.
“As we now launch and scale up our cargo division, Jettainer’s niche expertise will play a key role in our development. We look forward to many more years of successful partnership.”
WestJet currently operates a Boeing fleet of more than one hundred 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8 and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Next year will see a significant expansion to its cargo operations with the inclusion for the first time of four 737-800BCFs.
Three Boeing converted freighters have already entered service and the fourth one will join in due course.
As well as additional capacity, WestJet will serve new connections between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the US.
WestJet’s new carego subsidiary will focus the ever-growing e-commerce business along with other valuable commodities that the region offers, such as perishables.
Kothari Shailendar, managing director of Jettainer Americas, said: “We could not be prouder of the trust expressed through this renewed contract extension.
“Our long-standing partnership with WestJet is a prime example of how we focus on our customers’ individual needs.
“Our dedicated teams, openness to innovation, and the highest level of transparency help companies be successful in the long term.
“We are very much looking forward to accompanying WestJet in realizing its ambitious development plans.”
Jettainer provides ULD management service to WestJet, with a fleet of more than 1,000 containers and pallets for baggage and freight.
The container fleet has consisted predominantly of lightweight AKE units and has now been expanded to include freighter specific main deck containers.
Additional equipment needed at short notice has flexibly been supplied via the lease and fly service.
