By CHAT News Today

Westjet announces plans for ultra-low-cost carrier

Apr 20, 2017 | 10:49 AM

CALGARY — Westjet announced Thursday it plans to bring a new ultra-low-cost carrier to Canada this year.

The company, which began as a low-cost carrier in 1996, says the service is expected to to start late this year with 10 Boeing 737’s.

Chief executive Gregg Saretsky said the airline industry has changed since the company began flying.

“The complete unbundling of services and products in order to lower fares for the price-sensitive traveller has created the ULCC (ultra-low-cost carrier) category,” he said in a statement.

“Our new airline will provide Canadians a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record.”

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Ultra-low-cost carriers typically offer cheaper tickets by adding seats to their planes – which reduces legroom -and also charge extra for everything, including printing your boarding pass at the airport and snacks.

There are no details yet on where the airline will fly to or about pricing, and the carrier’s name has not been revealed.

The plan is subject to pilot agreement and regulatory approvals.