Career perspective based on the long run

[josejimenes33]

Hi,
Apparently no topics covered this area, so let's do it.
What are the current and expected timeline from junior 737 FO to 737 CA then to 787 FO and CA? Is there any relevant hope to compress this timeline bidding for certain bases? Do you have any idea about the standard evolution for a long term career in WJ? Last one: what is the current timing to get out of the mandatory reserve system as a junior FO?
Cheers!

[QKZXKV]

While I'm sure you'll get some good answers on this topic. Keep these questions in mind for an interview; the team conducting it like to hear that you are thinking long term.

[Canpilot7]

Agreed with the above, hopefully you get some detailed answers. There's a bit of "this will go on forever" bias with airline comparisons - so right now is expect you'll see a lot of "stagnant" comments for WestJet and "neverending growth" for AC. See what happens, a 20+ year career is a very long time.

[JBI]

Hi,
Apparently no topics covered this area, so let's do it.
What are the current and expected timeline from junior 737 FO to 737 CA then to 787 FO and CA? Is there any relevant hope to compress this timeline bidding for certain bases? Do you have any idea about the standard evolution for a long term career in WJ? Last one: what is the current timing to get out of the mandatory reserve system as a junior FO?
Cheers!

If you've ever looked at investments, most funds carry the disclaimer - "Past Performance Is No Guarantee of Future Results". The same goes with seniority/equipment and base bids at WestJet right now. The reality is there is no such thing as a "Standard evolution for a long term career". I'm not trying to be a jerk and I'll try to provide some clarifying thoughts below, but it's impossible to predict. Recently I was flying with a pilot who started at WestJet 20 years ago on the 737-200. He thought "hey, I'll be lucky if I can upgrade on a 737-200 in the next 10 years" Instead he upgraded in like 2 or 3 and has also gotten to fly the NGs, the 767 and the 787. He had no expectations that he'd get to fly anything other than a used 737-200. WestJet is 27 years old. Most new pilots looking at joining now will have 30+ years of flying remaining in their careers.

In addition to the above general comments, there are a number of specific situations that make timelines impossible to predict. With COVID, WestJet didn't hire a single pilot from March 7, 2020 until March 1, 2022. So as more pilots are hired, the reserve wait time will drop instantly by 2 years. That's obviously not the reality for a particular pilot, just for the group.

We will also be merging with the Sunwing pilots in the next 2-4 years. While generally I'm quite optimistic on how this will go, there are still so many unknowns.

For the 787, it really depends if WestJet decides to keep, shrink or grow the 787 fleet. No one really knows. Recently we've seen 787 FO positions going to folks with 7-9 years seniority, but this really depends on how many people decide to stay on the 787 or how many take upgrades. Of note, 787s are only based in YYC.

Captains on the 787 are the senior 5% of pilots in the group. Some of them got on at WJ very young and have a long time to go for retirement so they'll get to keep their seats for a long time. There are a lot of pilots starting right now who will have to retire before being able to hold a 787 Captain spot at with the current number of tails.

For upgrades on the 737, they're in the 8-10 year mark at the moment. I expect that this number will come down slightly, but not drastically. WJ hired a lot of pilots from 2015-2020 (more than the preceding 5 years) so even with growth, there are a lot pilots in line for upgrades.

I do think that the career prospects at WestJet are looking much better now with the new strategy and the new contract. Especially if you're looking for a base in Western Canada, the combination of lifestyle, pay, working conditions and stability is now quite enticing. Still lots of options out there though.

[Eric Janson]

Hi,
Apparently no topics covered this area, so let's do it.
What are the current and expected timeline from junior 737 FO to 737 CA then to 787 FO and CA? Is there any relevant hope to compress this timeline bidding for certain bases? Do you have any idea about the standard evolution for a long term career in WJ? Last one: what is the current timing to get out of the mandatory reserve system as a junior FO?
Cheers!

Disclaimer:- I don't work for WestJet.

There is no stability in Aviation - makes no difference who you work for. Jmho.

Things change constantly. There are no guarantees. Airline business is cyclical in nature - boom-bust.

Look at 2020-2022 - COVID was an unexpected event. Aviation is still in recovery.

During COVID a lot of people at "Long Term Career Airlines" lost their jobs and income. I know several people whose careers ended prematurely. One former colleague had his Command course cancelled in 2020 - still no date for this to resume.

There are a lot of angry and bitter people in Aviation - don't become one of them.

[josejimenes33]

So got my answer during the interview.
Told me currently around 8 years to have a left seat slot.
Social biddings pretty interesting too.
Best.

[CaptainHaddock]

I was told the same thing, 8 years in 2011. It ended up being 10 years for YYZ, 12 years for YYC/YVR (full block reserve). I do think it will come down a bit, but you will upgrade faster at pretty much any other airline in Canada. Westjet has great lifestyle if you are a block holder (everybody has a bit of the s#it sandwich) but the full block reserve is all s#it sandwich.
AC has a lot of medal on order and they get delivered, WJ is still waiting for 20 of the max’s they ordered in 2013, the other ones are for an aircraft that is not in production or certified. The new contract is a great improvement, it’s a good friendly work environment on the flightdeck, better $, and it looks like they are somewhat resurrecting the former port system with smaller bases (maybe CYLW next?) it’s a good job, but there won’t be 2-3 year upgrades anytime soon.

[daedalusx]

YYJ, YHZ and YLW bases/ports would be a huge attraction for new hires to make up for the competition's faster upgrade path. Hint hint.

[link821]

YYJ, YHZ and YLW bases/ports would be a huge attraction for new hires to make up for the competition's faster upgrade path. Hint hint.

This would be a dream come true for a great many commuters.

[Dias]

How long before WestJet pilots can leverage Porter's new $270/hr pay rate?

[Eric Janson]

So got my answer during the interview.
Told me currently around 8 years to have a left seat slot.
Social biddings pretty interesting too.
Best.

On the interview they want you to join - they will always paint a rosy picture.

There are no guarantees in this business - nobody can see 8 years into the future.

Keep your expectations realistic. Jmho.