WestJet May Lay Off More Than Half Its Staff - View from the Wing

The union that represents flight attendants at Canada's WestJet Airlines expects layoffs "of more than 50 per cent of its staff."

An internal memo sent to union officials and obtained by The Canadian Press says that travellers are rebooking en masse and "our airline's well-being has become grave overnight."

...As recently as Wednesday morning, job reductions of only 12 per cent seemed likely, he said, a number that matches WestJet's recent forecasts.

...Rauenbusch said one flight from Vancouver to Los Angeles this morning that had booked 150 passengers took off with just 12 on board.

Copyright: dennizn / 123RF Stock Photo

WestJet left its partnership with American Airlines for a joint venture with Delta. The airline has instituted a hiring freeze and is seeking voluntary furloughs. Layoffs will not surprise me at WestJet or at U.S. airlines.

Canada plans to limit the airports that accept international flights in order to facilitate testing of arriving passengers for COVID-19.