CALGARY — WestJet’s Arved von zur Muehlen is stepping down as Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective March 5, 2021.
Von zur Muehlen first joined the carrier in January 2019 from Malaysia Airlines, leading WestJet’s commercial team in all aspects of its commercial functions. President and CEO Ed Sims said “Arved’s strategic thinking and ability have been of huge value to WestJet” and that “on behalf of our WestJetters and our board of directors, we thank Arved for all he has done.”
On his time with the airline, von zur Muehlen said: “I am grateful to our WestJetters, our guests and my colleagues on the executive team for having the opportunity to work for this great airline through some of the most pivotal times in our 25-year history. I will remain a big supporter of WestJet and look forward to seeing the airline recover as it is well positioned for the challenges that lay ahead.”
John Weatherill
Stepping into the role of Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer is John Weatherill, who has held several roles within WestJet’s commercial team since August 2013, including: Director of Network & Schedule Planning, Director of Revenue Management, Vice-President of Pricing & Revenue Management, and most recently, Vice-President, Network & Revenue.
Weatherill brings more then 20 years of experience in the aviation industry and, according to Sims, has been instrumental in the growth of the airline, including its move into transatlantic operations, premium cabin growth, branded fares and new ancillary products.
“We are fortunate to have a very strong and capable successor for Arved,” added Sims. “John’s knowledge, experience and leadership will be strong assets as we shape our recovery and future.”
Weatherill’s appointment comes on the heels of Air Canada’s takeover deal of Transat, which was approved last week by the Government of Canada. In response to the news, Sims expressed his concerns over “fewer choices and higher fares” for Canadian travellers, saying that the deal “shows blatant disregard for all Canadians who believe in healthy competition.”
WestJet, along with Canada, Sunwing and Transat, has also agreed to cancel all sun destination flights through April 30, 2021, at the request of the federal government in an effort to secure Canada’s borders against COVID-19 and its various new strains. Last week, WestJet completed scheduled flights from Mexico and the Caribbean to return guests to Canada.
