CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - March 31, 2006) - WestJet announced today that it will be launching a new program where guests can assist the airline in realizing fuel efficiencies.
"Our Blended Winglet Technology has allowed us to reap the benefits of improved fuel efficiency," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet's Director Brand and Communications. "Knowing this, we commissioned a number of studies to determine how this principle could be applied inside the aircraft with our guests. The results were conclusively positive; the combination of specific hand and arm positions of our guests has a direct impact on our fuel efficiency.
"Beginning tomorrow, we ask that every guest aboard a WestJet aircraft assume the inflight winglet position upon takeoff," says Bartrem. "This involves straightening the arms at a ninety-degree angle to the side of the body, holding the fingers together, and positioning the hand at a ninety-degree angle upward. For more information, visit westjet.com and click on the 'Blended Winglets' banner."
The airline is confident the increased roominess of their Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft will ensure all guests are able to fully participate in this cost-saving measure.
Marking its tenth anniversary this year, WestJet is Canada's leading low-fare airline offering scheduled service throughout its 33-city North American network. Named Canada's most respected corporation for customer service in 2005, WestJet pioneered low-cost high-value flying in Canada. With increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu on the majority of its fleet, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
Source: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/release ... For=587105
With gas prices increasing considerably again it only makes sense that WestJet encourages its guests to help participate in fuel efficiency measures. The general attitude is that guests want cheap, no thrills fares but when fuel soars and fares rise the public cries. By allowing guests to partake in fuel efficiencies and keeping fares at a reasonable level, I think WestJet will be able to succeed successfully in today’s competitive airline market.
