WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech has stepped down following a series of controversies that have plagued the airline over recent months. His tenure, which began in early 2022, faced significant challenges, including labor disputes, operational restructuring, and competitive pressures in the Canadian aviation market.
One of the key controversies centered around labor relations, particularly with the airline’s pilots. In May 2023, WestJet narrowly avoided a strike after intense negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The union had demanded higher pay, better job security, and improved working conditions, arguing that WestJet pilots were underpaid compared to their North American counterparts. Although a last-minute deal was reached, the dispute highlighted underlying tensions within the company, with more than 1,800 pilots poised to walk out at one point.
Another major issue was the airline’s decision to wind down its ultra-low-cost subsidiary, Swoop, by late 2024. This move was driven by increasing costs, particularly after WestJet’s new collective agreement with pilots, which equalized pay across its mainline and Swoop operations. While von Hoensbroech portrayed the decision as a strategic realignment to broaden WestJet’s ultra-low-cost offerings under one banner, critics viewed it as a retreat from the low-cost market, especially in the face of stiff competition from carriers like Flair Airlines and Lynx Air.
These internal challenges were compounded by broader economic pressures, including rising fuel costs and a competitive post-pandemic environment. Despite some successes, such as the acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and significant expansion at its Calgary hub, von Hoensbroech’s leadership was often seen as reactive rather than proactive, particularly in addressing customer dissatisfaction with flight cancellations and operational inefficiencies.
Ultimately, the combination of labor unrest, strategic shifts, and operational challenges likely contributed to von Hoensbroech’s departure. His resignation underscores the difficulty of leading an airline through turbulent times, as WestJet now faces the task of finding new leadership to navigate the evolving aviation landscape in Canada.