WestJet Pilots Welcome Seat Reconfiguration Reversal Following Employee and Public Backlash

CALGARY, Alta.—Captain Jacob Astin, chair of the ALPA WestJet Master Executive Council, issued the following statement today after WestJet Airlines announced it was halting plans to reconfigure seating on some of its Boeing 737 aircraft.

“Following the stated employee concerns and widespread public backlash, the decision by WestJet Airlines to stop their fleet configuration plan that included cramped, non-reclining economy seating and return to the previous standard of seating is welcome news for our flight crews and our passengers.

“Our union’s consistent advocacy—highlighting concerns such as reduced passenger comfort and operational impacts—played a key role in amplifying pilot, crew, and guest feedback that supported this reversal.

“This reversal by our employer also demonstrates the power of a united pilot voice in protecting WestJet’s brand and service standards ahead of our upcoming contract negotiations.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.  

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