Canadian airline Westjet's entry into dedicated cargo ship operations appears to have ended about two years after carriers entered the freight market.
After explaining plans to “finally abolish” the 737-800 Boeing Conversion Cargo ship (BCFS) on April 8, a West Jet Cargo spokesman told Flight Global that the Jets are still flying the charter for the time being.
“WestJet continues to operate both cargo ships and belly cargo services,” the spokesman said. However, as part of a strategic shift, the Westjet group is refocusing its central efforts in its belly cargo operation.
“Westjet Group is actively exploring new opportunities for freight fleet fleets.”
The Canadian airline set foot in the freight market in April 2023. This was about a year behind the original plan, but was riding on the surge in e-commerce and increased demand for air freight after the pandemic. The freight division was launched through a partnership with Toronto-based air services company GTA Group, and deployed four leased 737s.
The Westjet entry was at the height of the narrow body conversion boom. This has since cooled quite a bit. And with concerns about a sustained economic downturn, Westjet appears to be set to part ways with the cargo ship.
The Calgary-based company has not specified a timeline to step-by-step 737BCFS.
