WestJet to buy Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines
WestJet is buying low-cost rivals Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines.
The takeover is anticipated to be completed in late 2022 as it is still subject to regulatory approval, according to the announcement on Wednesday.
The purchase price for the acquisition was not disclosed.
“This is an exciting moment for WestJet, Sunwing and Canada’s travel industry,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet, in a statement. “We are bringing together two highly complementary businesses with powerhouse brands to strengthen our successful leisure business and deliver greater value to our guests.”
We’ve reached an agreement under which The #WestJet Group will acquire Sunwing Vacations (@SunwingVacay) and Sunwing Airlines, bringing together two distinctly Canadian travel brands to deliver new leisure options and greater value to our guests. ✈️☀️ https://t.co/u3TrAom8MH
— WestJet (@WestJet) March 2, 2022
The announcement stated that following the close of the transaction, a new tour operating business unit will be created under the WestJet group to include both Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations inc. It will be led by Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter.
This move comes after a difficult two years for airline companies, which experienced flight reductions and staff shortages due to COVID-19.
- You might also like:
- WestJet extends flight reductions through March citing travel restrictions
- Harbour Air adds new Vancouver-to-Powell River route
- Flair launching new Vancouver to Alaska flight route with $99 flights
With this takeover, WestJet is promising Canadian travellers access to more competitive airfares and affordable vacation packages.
“My team and I are excited for the future, and we look forward to offering even more vacation destinations to Canadians at affordable prices,” said Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing, in a statement.
Sunwing, which is based in Toronto, is primarily a tour operator offering Canadians vacation packages destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, the US and Europe.
Follow Channels and Categories