CALGARY — It’s official: Harry Taylor has become WestJet Group’s interim President and CEO.

Previously announced back in September, Taylor’s new appointment follows the retirement of previous CEO Ed Sims. Taylor first joined WestJet in 2015 as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, and is credited with leading the airline’s inaugural U.S. bond issue and negotiating the purchase of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing MAX aircraft. He was also instrumental in the sale of WestJet to Onex.

On his new role, Taylor says: “I am honoured to take on the interim role of CEO at this pivotal time for the WestJet Group, and am focused on our relentless commitment to safety above all while ensuring continuity for our recovery as we rebuild our airlines for our guests and our people.

“By the end of the year, we will return our entire fleet to service for the peak holiday travel season, connecting loved ones and fulfilling long awaited vacation plans. I look forward to leading our organization through this crucial phase of our recovery while we continue our search for a permanent CEO.”

Last week WestJet announced the expansion of its COVID-19 testing program to offer self-testing options for any destination with pre-entry PCR requirements. It also recently announced a new codeshare agreement with Air Transat on select transatlantic routes, which will start in early 2022.