Canada’s small airlines are disappearing into WestJet. What does that mean for travellers?

By alexandreBusiness

Canada’s small airlines are disappearing into WestJet. What does that mean for travellers?

Canada’s airline industry has seen a lot of changes over the years, but one of the most significant ones is the consolidation of smaller airlines into larger ones. WestJet, one of Canada’s largest airlines, has been acquiring a number of smaller airlines in recent years, which has raised concerns about what this means for travellers.

In this article, we will explore the issue of Canada’s small airlines disappearing into WestJet, and examine what this means for travellers who are looking to book flights in the future.

What is happening to Canada’s small airlines?

In recent years, a number of smaller airlines in Canada have been acquired by WestJet. These include regional airlines like Air Transat, Porter Airlines, and Flair Airlines, among others.

While these acquisitions may seem like a natural part of the airline industry, they have raised concerns among travellers who worry that the consolidation of smaller airlines into larger ones will result in less competition, higher prices, and fewer options for travellers.

So, what is happening to Canada’s small airlines? Essentially, they are disappearing into larger airlines like WestJet, which is gradually becoming a dominant player in the Canadian airline market.

What does this mean for travellers?

For travellers, the consolidation of smaller airlines into larger ones can be both a good and bad thing. On the one hand, it can result in more convenience and efficiency, as travellers can book all of their flights with one airline and enjoy seamless connections between different cities.

On the other hand, the consolidation of smaller airlines into larger ones can also mean less choice and higher prices. With fewer airlines to choose from, travellers may find that they have to pay more for their flights, especially if they are travelling to smaller cities or remote areas where there is less competition among airlines.

Furthermore, the consolidation of airlines can also lead to reductions in service quality, as larger airlines may focus more on profits and cost-cutting than on providing a high level of service to their customers.

What are the benefits of airline consolidation?

Despite the concerns about the disappearance of small airlines into larger ones, there are some potential benefits to airline consolidation that should be considered.

For example, airline consolidation can lead to more efficient use of resources, as larger airlines can optimize their routes, schedules, and fleets to minimize costs and maximize revenues. This can result in lower prices for travellers, as airlines can pass on some of the savings to their customers.

Airline consolidation can also lead to increased investment in new aircraft, technologies, and infrastructure, which can improve the overall quality of air travel and make it more convenient and enjoyable for passengers.

What can travellers do?

If you are a traveller who is concerned about the disappearance of small airlines into larger ones, there are some things you can do to protect your interests.

Firstly, you can research the different airlines that operate in Canada and compare their prices, routes, and services to find the best option for your needs. Secondly, you can join loyalty programs that offer rewards and benefits for frequent flyers, which can help to offset some of the costs of air travel. Lastly, you can provide feedback to airlines about your experiences and preferences, which can help to shape their future strategies and improve their services for customers.

The consolidation of small airlines into larger ones like WestJet is an ongoing trend in Canada’s airline industry, and it is raising concerns among travellers who worry about higher prices, less choice, and lower service quality. However, airline consolidation can also lead to more efficient use of resources, lower prices, and increased investment in new technologies and infrastructure. Ultimately, travellers need to research their options carefully and provide feedback to airlines to ensure that their needs are being met and their interests are being protected.