New WestJet discount airline ‘may be based outside of Calgary’

Less than a week after WestJet announced the launch of its new no-frills, low-cost airline will be delayed until next summer, the company says it’s looking into the potential of a different home base for the discount operation. “WestJet’s ultra-low-cost carrier may be based outside of Calgary as we are also considering locations that would allow us to take advantage of lower-cost markets,” a Lauren Stewart said. Stewart added no decision had been made as of Aug. 7. “We are continuing our work on this and other elements related to the launch of the airline — namely the organizational structure, routes, schedules, service offering and branding,” Stewart said. She said WestJet’s plan for the ultra-low-cost carrier is to minimize costs and pass savings to consumer, “while unbundling all products and services so they can choose that which is most relevant for their trip.”<br/>