WestJet agrees deal to buy Sunwing
Canadian leisure airline Sunwing Airlines is being acquired by the WestJet Group.
The deal includes the airline as well as in-house tour operator. Sunwing Vacations.
It is the perfect deal ‘bringing together two highly complementary businesses, ’said WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.
On completion WestJet will establish a new tour operator business led by Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter.
The new unit will comprise Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations as separate brands.
WestJet said it will also expand Sunwing Airlines’ current seasonal schedules to year-round.
Sunwing operates 40 aircraft in winter and only 10 in summer
Sunwing is controlled by the Hunter family with tour operator TUI Group owning a 49% stake.
The companies said there would not be any layoffs because of the takeover.
“We feel strong enough, even more so together, to recover well out of this pandemic and to be more competitive, specifically in a low-cost market,” von Hoensbroech said.
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations