Thomas Cook Canada Announces Exclusive Flying Program with WestJet Airlines

TORONTO, April 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Thomas Cook Canada (Thomas Cook) announced today an exclusive partnership with WestJet Airlines (WestJet) which will now provide all airline seats for Thomas Cook's tour operator brand Sunquest Vacations (Sunquest).

This decision takes effect for Sunquest's winter 2012-2013 program, which commences in November 2012, and follows on the heels of the already planned summer flying program with WestJet.

"Known for its quality, reliability and outstanding customer service, WestJet has been a key partner for Sunquest and the wider portfolio of Thomas Cook brands for the last couple of years," said Dean Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook North America. "Following our recent review of the Sunquest business and specifically its charter flying program, WestJet provides us with the level of flexibility we needed, as well as the opportunity to expand our product offering by taking advantage of the significant scale of WestJet's fleet and the breadth of their network." Sunquest will have access to airline seat capacity from WestJet's existing flight network.

WestJet features a modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft flying a network of 76 cities throughout North America and the Caribbean. Known for its award-winning guest experiences, Sunquest customers will benefit from more competitive pricing, increased value and WestJet's unrivalled customer service.

"We are very pleased to announce this agreement," commented Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "Thomas Cook's decision to replace their flying with our aircraft for the Canadian market and allow WestJet to serve their customers speaks to their confidence in what our WestJetters do so well."

"In light of our recent decision to discontinue deploying Thomas Cook aircraft in Canada, the extension of the WestJet agreement is a natural choice as it has operated a significant portion of Sunquest's winter flying program since the 2009-2010 season and the full summer program since 2010," continued Moore. "Known as "Canada's preferred airline", we are delighted to be able to offer the level of service that WestJet is known for to all of our Sunquest customers. It acts as the perfect complement to our product and enables us to provide exceptional vacation experiences from start to finish."

About Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook North America is a division of Thomas Cook Group plc, one of the world's leading leisure travel groups with sales of C$15.7 billion, 23.6 million customers and 31,000 employees. Its travel businesses in Canada include Sunquest Vacations, Fun Sun Vacations, Exotik Tours and Bel Air Travel. Thomas Cook in Canada also oversees operations for Sears Travel's 106 retail shops nationwide. Thomas Cook operates under six geographic segments in 22 countries, including Canada and the United States, and is number one or number two in its core markets. For more information, visit www.thomascookgroup.ca or www.thomascookgroup.com.

(media only): 

Kerry Sharpe
Director, Corporate Communications
Thomas Cook North America
416-485-1481 ext. 6309
Toll-free: 1-800-387-8438
[email protected]