In North America, a shift towards agile belly cargo operations, strengthened by digital tools and selective partnerships, is reshaping how regional players compete on a global stage. WestJet Cargo is proving how strategic bellyhold operations, supported by technology and partnerships, can drive measurable cargo growth across both domestic and international markets.
“2025 has started strong for WestJet Cargo as we continue to build on the momentum of a record-breaking 2024,” said Julius Mooney, director of commercial cargo. “Our belly cargo operations remain a core focus… driven by expanded international routes, particularly to Asia and Europe, and enhanced digital capabilities.”
One major expansion this year has been the Calgary–Seoul (Incheon) route, which doubled frequency in May. “This route, operated by our Boeing 787 Dreamliner, now offers approximately 130 tonnes of weekly cargo space,” Mooney said.
Beyond aircraft, partnerships are key. “We’ve launched a strategic block space agreement with Virgin Atlantic, allowing us to sell cargo capacity on their wide-body flights from Toronto to London and beyond,” Mooney added. “This strengthens our reach across key international markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.”
Canada first, digitally driven
WestJet’s global strategy is grounded in domestic strength—particularly in underserved and remote areas of Canada. “Domestically, we cover over 65 percent of Canadians within four hours from our primary hub in Calgary,” Mooney explained.
One major upgrade came in late 2024: integration with CargoAi’s CargoMART and CargoCONNECT APIs. “Our capacities—both for general cargo and perishables—have been fully integrated and bookable on the platform,” Mooney said. “Customers can check real-time rates and capacity, book shipments, and track their cargo across our entire network.”
It’s not just about convenience. The digital platform includes environmental impact insights to support more sustainable decision-making. “By offering 24/7 digital access to our services, we’ve simplified the booking process and reinforced our commitment to being a customer-centric and tech-forward carrier,” Mooney added.
Further digital innovation includes AI-driven solutions for capacity forecasting, load optimisation, and customer trend analysis—tools that help align supply with demand and ensure operational flexibility.
Building a smarter supply chain
For WestJet Cargo, technology isn’t just internal—it’s about empowering the forwarders and partners who move the goods. “These tools enable our partners to book, track, and manage shipments with real-time data, improved visibility, and operational ease,” said Mooney.
The company also partners with Total Cargo Expertise (TCE) to support customs compliance and reduce manual processes. “TCE ensures smooth and compliant customs management, reducing delays through automation and 24/7 support,” he added.
Beyond pure operations, Mooney highlights the carrier’s community-focused initiatives. “Our collaboration with Canadian Blood Services and our role as the official transport provider for The Beagle Alliance reflect our operational reliability for critical and time-sensitive cargo,” he said.
Express operations
e-commerce and express airfreight continue to drive infrastructure investment. “We’re observing two parallel trends: the continued growth of e-commerce and a rising demand for fast, reliable express cargo solutions,” Mooney said.
In response, the carrier introduced its Priority product, offering guaranteed uplift and reduced cut-off times. “This service ensures that urgent cargo moves swiftly and reliably through our key hubs,” he added.
Sustainability remains a strategic priority. “We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” Mooney said, pointing to fleet modernisation and digitisation as key enablers. “We’ve already begun testing SAF on select routes and actively support industry-wide efforts to scale up production.”
That commitment extends to operational efficiency. “These efforts include AI-driven forecasting, real-time tracking, the promotion of paperless processes, all of which contribute to a smarter, more sustainable supply chain,” he added.
What’s next
At air cargo Europe, WestJet Cargo will highlight its international expansion, express products, and domestic market strength. “Our key message will centre on how WestJet Cargo is redefining cargo connectivity through agility, innovation, and strategic partnerships,” Mooney said.
A new strategic partnership is also on the horizon, though the airline hasn’t revealed the details just yet. “This development aligns perfectly with our commitment to expanding global connectivity and enhancing service offerings,” Mooney hinted.
