WestJet upgrades London-Toronto route to 787

Beginning Thursday, Calgary-based airline WestJet has upgauged the aircraft used on its service between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from the 767 to the 787-9.

While the carrier could not provide specific data regarding cargo demand on the route, a spokesperson told Air Cargo World, “With this additional capacity, we will be able to offer more of our customers faster service with the non-stop option, versus connecting via [Calgary International Airport] YYC.”

At the beginning of October, WestJet Cargo transitioned its domestic cargo sales operations to a newly established in-house sales team, and subsequently embargoed all lithium battery shipments. However, the carrier continues to work with general sales agents (GSAs) on international cargo operations, and Global Airline Services will market capacity on the 787 flights ex-LGW, according to an announcement from the GSA.