WestJet CE says it hopes to recruit Swoop pilots from mainline operations

WestJet’s CE said the airline hopes to recruit pilots from its mainline and Encore services to fly planes for its new ultra low-cost carrier Swoop, but that it will hire externally if necessary — a move that the company’s new pilots union said it is against. More than 1,400 WestJet pilots joined the Air Line Pilots Association, after 62% of the 97% of eligible pilots voted in May to unionise. Saretsky said under WestJet’s existing contract with pilots, which is in place until a new agreement is ratified, there is a provision that will allow those interested in flying for Swoop to take a leave of absence and do so. Those pilots would still be able to return to WestJet or WestJet Encore after flying Swoop planes, he said. However, the chairman of the WestJet unit of ALPA said the company has “not properly engaged” with the union when it comes to Swoop. <br/>