WestJet today announced that Bob Cummings, WestJet’s executive vice-president, commercial, has been tapped to lead the airline’s yet-to-be-named ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), planned to launch in late 2017 or early 2018. Cummings, who has been with WestJet since 2005 with almost 11 years at the EVP level, will lead the team creating the new venture. He will have accountability for all aspects including planning, branding, pricing, product development and operationalization. He will also continue to drive other key strategic initiatives for WestJet. 

"Bob has been an integral part of the successful transformation of WestJet," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet president and CEO. "We are well positioned to continue our profitable growth and I look forward to Bob's strategic thinking, leadership and execution capability coming to bear in launching this exciting new airline.

"I am eager to bring our ULCC to market on behalf of Canadians looking for even lower fares," commented Cummings. "I firmly believe that we have the necessary capabilities to launch another successful and exciting chapter in WestJet's history. Travellers can expect a very different approach from this new ULCC, yet one that will ultimately provide air travel accessibility to many more Canadians."

WestJet also announced that Ed Sims will join WestJet on May 29, 2017, replacing Cummings as executive vice-president, commercial, with responsibility for all aspects of the commercial function within WestJet including sales, marketing, product, network planning, revenue management, corporate development, airline partnerships and WestJet Vacations.

Sims has more than 30 years in the tourism and aviation industries, encompassing airlines and tour operators, as well as air traffic control. His most recent role was as CEO of Airways, New Zealand's air navigation service provider, but he has held leadership positions with TUI, Thomas Cook, Virgin Groups and Air New Zealand, where he headed up the airline’s international wide-body business.

In February of this year, it was announced by Airways Corporation that Sims would be leaving the state-owned enterprise having "accepted a position with an international organisation and...leaving Airways on Friday 26 May 2017."

“Through Ed’s strong leadership the organisation is well positioned for the future." said Airways New Zealand Chair Judy Kirk. "On behalf of the Board I thank him for his energy, and dedication.”

"Ed brings to WestJet extensive expertise in leadership, innovation, sales and marketing, operations and change management, and I am delighted to have someone with his experience and skills join our leadership team," continued Saretsky. "As we expand WestJet's horizons, I look forward to Ed's global perspective and contributions to our growth plans."

"WestJet has built a reputation that is globally recognized," said Ed Sims. "I have watched the WestJet success story from afar and now I am honoured to be given the opportunity to shape the next chapter in WestJet's history."

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