WestJet History: From a Leap Day Launch to Dreamliners – Airline Employee Shop

WestJet History

WestJet started on leap day 1996 as a small low-fare airline in western Canada and grew into the country's second-largest airline. Here's a short history of WestJet, plus the WestJet collection that celebrates it.

A Calgary start-up (1994–1998)

WestJet was founded on June 27, 1994, by Clive Beddoe, David Neeleman, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan and Donald Bell. The first flights took off on February 29, 1996, using second-hand Boeing 737-200s. The first cities were Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The plan was simple: low fares, no first-class cabin and a single aircraft type to keep maintenance easy.

Growing up (1999–2012)

WestJet went public in July 1999, offering 2.5 million shares at $10 each. In 2001 it took delivery of its first Boeing 737-700, its first 737 Next Generation jet.

New wings and new routes (2013–2019)

WestJet Encore started scheduled flights on June 24, 2013, with Dash 8 turboprops for smaller communities. Europe came next. Seasonal St. John's to Dublin flights ran in 2014, and Halifax to Glasgow followed in 2015 on a 737-700. In 2016 leased Boeing 767s opened widebody service to London Gatwick. WestJet launched its ultra-low-cost sister airline, Swoop, on June 20, 2018. Its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrived in January 2019, with service planned from Calgary to London Gatwick.

New owners and one family (2019–today)

Investment firm Onex announced a deal to buy WestJet on May 13, 2019, and completed it that December. WestJet then bought Sunwing, finishing the deal on May 1, 2023. Swoop was folded into WestJet's main operation on October 28, 2023, and Sunwing flew its final flight as a separate airline on May 28, 2025.

A few things collectors love

  • WestJet's first flights took place on February 29, so the airline's true birthday only comes around every four years.
  • In 2013 WestJet and Disney created the Fantasia-themed "Magic Plane" livery. It was repainted into standard colors in 2024.
  • Early WestJet fares were so low that some trips cost less than driving.

Shop WestJet

Browse WestJet logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the WestJet collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for the WestJet fan in your life.

AirlineEmployeeShop.com is an independent retailer of airline memorabilia. This page is for historical interest and is not affiliated with or endorsed by WestJet.