Canadian airline WestJet Group has appointed Alexis von Hoensbroech as its new chief executive officer.

Prior to accepting the role, von Hoensbroech served as CEO of Austrian Airlines where he led the airline through the Covid-19 crisis.

“It gives me great pleasure, following our global search, to welcome Alexis to the WestJet Group as CEO. Alexis understands WestJet’s low-cost roots and the importance of cost competitiveness in our vision for the future. We’re extremely pleased to welcome Alexis to our team and into WestJet’s remarkable culture,” said WestJet’s board of directors chairman Chris Burley.

“While at Austrian Airlines, Alexis refocused the airline on its core business, lowering its cost base to address rising competition from ultra-low-cost carriers. Alexis’ direct aviation operating experience builds on a career of airline consulting and research work.”

Von Hoensbroech added: “I am really excited to be joining the WestJet team. WestJet is a remarkable success story, bringing affordable air travel to millions of Canadians. I am very much looking forward to working with the management team, the Board and all WestJetters and Swoopsters to write the next chapter of this success story, as the airline emerges from the pandemic.”