WestJet Readies for U.S. Agency Sales Through ARC

Canadian-based WestJet has joined ARC as a new participating carrier and is poised to commence eticket distribution through U.S. travel agencies by end October, 2009.*

Well-established as a low-cost carrier in Canada and also serving destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, WestJet is the latest significant “ticketless” carrier that has elected to add a GDS-based ticketing system to their distribution model.

“WestJet is extremely pleased to launch ticketing functionality that includes the U.S. and participation in ARC,” said Catherine Dyer, WestJet vice-president, distribution. “These enhancements to our distribution model will make it easy for the U.S. travel agency community to do business with WestJet. These are important steps toward reaching our goal to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.”

“We welcome WestJet’s unique contribution to ARC’s carrier community through which more than 18,000 ARC-accredited U.S. travel agencies gain valuable new carrier content,” added Mike Premo, ARC vice president, sales, marketing and customer care.

* Effective sales week (PED) will be announced to travel agents via ARC’s Travel Agent Communication (TAC) email when available