Sunwing Pilots Urge Westjet to Keep YQB Base Open

QUÉBEC CITY, QUE.—Today, Sunwing Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), gathered inside Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) to call on WestJet Airlines to reverse its decision to close the YQB base, citing the severe economic and cultural impact it will have on the community.

In 2022, the WestJet Group announced a deal to buy Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations. The acquisition closed in May 2023. WestJet subsequently announced operational changes as part of the acquisition, including the closure of the YQB base, with the pilots being transferred to Montreal.

“WestJet purchased Sunwing with the intention of expanding services in eastern Canada and increasing vacation offerings from regional hubs,” said Capt. Mark Taylor, chair of the Sunwing ALPA Master Executive Council. “Closing or relocating the YQB base undermines this corporate strategy and the company’s own stated goals. WestJet must understand the economic impact closing this base will have throughout the Québec City region.”

The YQB base creates wealth in the region, supports local businesses, and contributes to Québec’s overall economic growth. As a Canadian airline operating in Québec, losing the YQB base could especially damage WestJet’s image among the Francophone community. 

“Keeping the Québec City base open maintains a certain expectation of service level as Sunwing transitions to WestJet,” Taylor added. “Having local crews means quicker responses in cases of mechanical issues, crew illness, or staffing shortage problems, which is beneficial for the airline.”

No official date has been released for the closure, but WestJet has stated it will be in the spring of 2025.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.