CALGARY — WestJet has announced its new travel hygiene program, part of its ‘Safety above all’ initiative, detailing what WestJet passengers can expect when travelling to ensure their health and safety.

The video series and WestJet’s hygiene measures can be found here.

“Safety, including hygiene and health, is above all at WestJet, which is why the already-existing mantra was selected to communicate our hygiene efforts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Billy Nolen, WestJet Vice-President, Safety, Security and Quality.

“Safety is at the forefront of every decision and initiative at WestJet and our efforts on health and hygiene are no exception. As the world continues to adapt to this new environment, we will continue to adjust our health measures to ensure the safest travel experience possible as more Canadians begin to fly once again.”

WestJet has introduced several safety and hygiene best-practice initiatives based on information from domestic and global experts such as the Public Health Agency of Canada, WHO and IATA since the pandemic began.

The measures include introducing both seat distancing and aircraft fogging, i.e. a cleaning procedure that provides a complete disinfection of the aircraft interior using a hydrogen peroxide-based solution cleaner.

WestJet has also implemented temperature taking before boarding across its 38 Canadian destinations.

WestJet notes: “It is a misconception that COVID-19 is spread on aircraft. With WestJet’s layered approach to health, the aircraft is as safe an environment as possible.”

All WestJet aircraft (737, 767, 787 and Q400) are also equipped with an air circulation system containing a HEPA filter, similar to what is used in hospital environments, achieving a viral removal efficiency of greater than 99.99909 per cent.

“As Canadians continue to flatten the curve, WestJet is committed to doing our part, while helping guests feel safe getting back in the skies,” said Nolen.