Canadian-based WestJet has joined ARC as a new participating carrier and is poised to commence eticket distribution through U.S. travel agencies by the end of October 2009. WestJet joins a record number of carriers in the ARC distribution system.
“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.
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.”
ARC said the effective sales week (PED) will be announced to travel agents via ARC’s Travel Agent Communication (TAC) email when available
Airlines, travel agencies, corporate travel departments, railroads, and other travel suppliers process up to $80 billion annually through ARC’s world-class settlement system, making it the financial backbone of travel distribution.
WestJet offers scheduled service throughout its 66-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada.
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