WestJet's Ed Sims outlines carrier's COVID-19 response in letter

Air
03-10-2020 8:47 am

WestJet president and CEO Ed Sims has issued a letter of reassurance to WestJet's guests as the uncertainty of COVID-19 lingers.

In the letter, Sims expresses that the safety of guests remains the company's number one priority during this time, and that WestJet and its employees train comprehensively for these scenarios as part of its overall emergency response.

As the COVID-19 situation began to unfold, WestJet had a direct response team standing ready, Sims writes.

"From the onset of the coronavirus, we have been in contact with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Transport Canada, and other agencies around the world to ensure we are aware of, and aligned with, guidance regarding air travel," Sims wrote. "There are hundreds of WestJetters across Canada involved in the planning and implementation of our coronavirus response. In addition to the standard aircraft cleaning that has been part of our daily maintenance schedule, we have introduced additional measures to increase the sanitization of our aircraft."

Book with confidence

According to Sims, WestJet disinfects and sanitizes its aircraft using industry-approved products. The company has also introduced hospital-grade Clorox wipes and spray to its cleaning processes.

"These new products are used to clean the galleys, lavatories, tray tables, seat armrests and headrests, seatbelt buckles, the power supply unit panel, overhead bin door latches and lavatory door handles," Sims explained.

In the air, WestJet's aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art HEPA filters which are similar to those used in hospitals. These filters achieve a viral and bacterial removal efficiency of greater than 99.99 per cent. These aircraft also introduce fresh air into the cabin every two to three minutes.

To help guests continue to book with confidence, WestJet had already instituted a flexible change policy giving those guests who booked between March 3, 2020 and March 31, 2020 the ability to change their flight without the applicable change fees.

"In addition, we are temporarily removing the normal change and cancel restrictions for guests who had previously booked a Basic fare for travel beginning on or before Mar. 31, 2020," Sims said.

More information can be found on the WestJet travel advisory page. Guests with questions can find several ways to contact WestJet here.

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