WestJet Cargo & Virgin Atlantic aid Canadian Cargo Capacity

WestJet Cargo now sells Virgin Atlantic’s cargo capacity from Toronto (YYZ) to London (LHR) and beyond, thanks to a new Block Space Agreement (BSA) starting 31 March.

This year-round commercial partnership significantly increases cargo capacity between Canada’s East Coast and key global destinations.

It also marks Virgin Atlantic’s return to the Canadian cargo market after more than 20 years, using WestJet Cargo’s expertise to manage and sell freight services on this vital route.

Strengthening trade between Canada and global markets

The partnership provides an important trade link between Canada and major destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

From London Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic serves several key cities, including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Dubai (DXB), Riyadh (RUH) and Lagos (LOS).

With this agreement, WestJet Cargo now offers up to 20 tonnes of cargo capacity daily on Virgin Atlantic’s wide-body flights from Toronto to London.

Customers gain reliable access to the full range of services provided by both carriers, benefiting from their strong reputations in the industry. All shipments from Toronto will move under a WestJet Cargo Air Waybill (AWB), starting with the prefix 838.

Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President of WestJet Cargo, highlights the strength of the collaboration: “Virgin Atlantic’s decision to entrust WestJet Cargo with managing this crucial route is a testament to our deep understanding of the Canadian market and our operational excellence.

"It’s a natural synergy with the same ground handling in both Toronto Pearson International and London Heathrow. We have a super team based in Toronto who are eager to make this commercial partnership a success for both carriers.

"Our specialised expertise in handling high-value commodities such as pharmaceuticals and valuables ensures that customers receive reliable, top-tier service, all while providing seamless access to Virgin Atlantic’s London service, and beyond.”

Virgin Atlantic returns to the Canadian cargo market

For Virgin Atlantic, this partnership strengthens its presence in Canada and enhances its global cargo network.

The airline’s Managing Director of Cargo, Nick Diesel, is enthusiastic about the collaboration: “We’re thrilled to further enhance our commercial partnership with WestJet, leveraging their longstanding cargo expertise in the Canadian marketplace.

"This collaboration will ensure our customers across the region will have seamless access and added capacity throughout Virgin Atlantic’s global network. Canada is an important market for us and this partnership enables us to provide cargo solutions that support trade and business growth between Toronto, London and beyond.”

Virgin Atlantic selected WestJet Cargo for its strong market position, operational efficiency and specialised cargo handling capabilities.

With a state-of-the-art cargo facility at London Heathrow, the airline is well-positioned to connect inbound cargo across its network.

WestJet Cargo’s expanding role in international logistics

This agreement reinforces WestJet Cargo’s growing role in the global cargo industry.

By leveraging its operational strengths and expanding its network, the carrier continues to develop scalable commercial partnerships that support international trade.

As a dedicated division of the WestJet Group, WestJet Cargo provides air freight services for businesses, freight forwarders and individual customers.

It operates using WestJet’s extensive fleet of wide- and narrow-body aircraft, along with its newly introduced Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCF). This growing fleet enables WestJet Cargo to meet the diverse needs of its customers while ensuring safe, reliable air-shipping solutions.

With this new partnership, both airlines are poised to deliver a more efficient and expansive cargo service between Canada, the UK and beyond. 

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