WestJet Monopolizing Western Canadian Travel

[TheFlamesBoeing]

Hi All,

Whenever I look above to the sound of an airplane's engines, at least 90% of the time its a Westjet 737. They've got more routes in Western Canada than any other airline.

Does anybody invest in Westjet? Would it be a good choice?

[THE SCUD]

I am pretty sure you are a returning poster - Do you like expensive shoes?

[Bigtime]

90% of the time? I think that is a bit of an overstatement. I think Air Canada still offers more seats out of YYC every day than Westjet.

[fundmark19]

I think it comes down to westjet workers are also westjet owners

[mykalberta]

They have gone up about $7 to hit $15 from 2008. With fuel prices this high its difficult for any airline to make considerable money.

They have started code sharing on a limited basis, I think once the rumored perks package is offered and Airmiles discontinued so they can better integrate with some airlines then you might see the stock get to $20ish but I think for the forseeable future the $15-17 range is most like with a possible drop back to $12ish.

The other next big leap will be to us buisness markets - Calgary - IAH is a perfect market. At the momeny the no biz class and frequent flyer program makes this a no go, I think they can make a go of it if they slightly change their inflight offerings for US biz markets and start a FFP - I dont see that happening anytime soon though.

I have heard rumors they have been looking at buying Transat - not sure if that would be a good thing of a bad thing

I have invested 2 different times in westjet, once I made out great buying at $10 selling at $23, the next I bought at $11 and have held it for a while now. If you like airlines then sure invest, if you are looking to get maximum ROI then dont invest in airlines.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by fundmark19

I think it comes down to westjet workers are also westjet owners

didn't know that, they should make it a slogan or advertise it...

[malcolmk14]

Of the last 60 departures from YYC, 18 of them have been Westjet. 21 have been Air Canada or AC Jazz.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by fundmark19

I think it comes down to westjet workers are also westjet owners

I've cancelled my AMA membership. If I ever get a flat, I'm just going to call WestJet.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

I am pretty sure you are a returning poster

I was about to say the same thing about you.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

I was about to say the same thing about you.

[Resolute 14]

The pot calling the kettle silver?

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

The pot calling the kettle silver?

yup.

[Boblobla]

there, better?

[Travis Munroe]

They have a good business structure and no doubt money was there to be made. Upon the advice of someone on CP and Jim Cramer I will never invest in a airline.

[4X4]

Lol @ amorak calling the kettle black.

[Bigtime]

I wouldn't touch airline stock with a ten foot pole.

[Frequitude]

Air Canada > Westjet based on the seat back entertainment alone

[Lee of Red]

How has Canada so far managed to avoid having a decent budget airline?

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Lee of Red

How has Canada so far managed to avoid having a decent budget airline?

Distances involved + population density.

I think Westjet version 1.0 was the closest we've ever seen. Using older equipment (737-200's) and no in-flight entertainment. I'm not including JetsGo because you could have died flying with them.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Lee of Red

How has Canada so far managed to avoid having a decent budget airline?

Small population, spread across a vast space.