Sean Durfy quit?!

[cyeg66]

Gregg was also an executive at a very successful Airline.. Alaskan.

Perhaps they can use his old Login ID and have access to all of Alaskans load figures.

"Oh no, you di'nt"

[mattedfred]

So where do you find good airline talent in Canada?

the Deluce family

i would also accept SWA management willing to relocate to canada

[CanadaEH]

I'm not sure what this thread highlights more of, the childish behavior of so-called "professionals" or the ignorance of so-called "professionals".

Sean is leaving to spend time with his wife - who just recovered from a brain tumor - and Gregg is taking the helm of the most successful airline in Canada. Ex-CP or not, he's a smart guy and one that will (hopefully) take our growth and success to the next level.

[bigskyjoc]

Gregg is walking into a very enviable position thats for sure. But I still wouldn't let any WJ management type shuffle the deck on a Saturday night game of 'hold em' poker thats for sure!

[WetJet]

"Durfy's only plans so far are to spend time with his wife, three-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter.

"I like to call it 'Freedom-43.' So effectively I'm retired," Durfy said, adding that the idea of returning to the "all-consuming" airline industry holds no appeal."

Retired at 43 and hanging out at home.
Congrats Durf, you got your priorities straight brotha.

[Dick]

"Durfy's only plans so far are to spend time with his wife, three-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter.

"I like to call it 'Freedom-43.' So effectively I'm retired," Durfy said, adding that the idea of returning to the "all-consuming" airline industry holds no appeal."

Retired at 43 and hanging out at home.
Congrats Durf, you got your priorities straight brotha

+1...

[hotwings56]

I'm not sure what this thread highlights more of, the childish behavior of so-called "professionals" or the ignorance of so-called "professionals".

Sean is leaving to spend time with his wife - who just recovered from a brain tumor - and Gregg is taking the helm of the most successful airline in Canada. Ex-CP or not, he's a smart guy and one that will (hopefully) take our growth and success to the next level.

I can't believe you guys are swallowing all this stuff...CB just axed another one, holly crap...they've been fighting for a long time now, talk about rose coloured glasses you guys. The kissy, kissy show is for the investors so noone gets nervous. CB is a very bad man...this I have seen/witnessed for many years now..wake up guys

[invertedattitude]

Are you serious?

So he faked his wifes cancer?

[hotwings56]

Are you serious?

So he faked his wifes cancer?

Not what I said...I hope she is well and recovers fully from her illness...but I don't believe for a minute that's the reason behind this "move"..I'm sorry if I sound cynical, too many years of watching CB operate..this is classic

[gonnabeapilot]

I don't think that anybody can be blamed for being slightly cyncial at the reason's for Durf's departure. Unfortunately if you spend any time following business news you will quickly see that "leaving for personal reasons" normally equals "was fired because their performance didn't live up to expectations but nobody wants to rock the boat and come out and say that for fear of spooking the investment community". I'm not saying that that is what happened with Durf, but the doubters do have good reason to be suspicious.

[invertedattitude]

Ok, well for arguments sake, if I was a big time big money investor, then I too would realize this is just a smoke screen for getting him fired, which would negate the whole reason for not "spooking" me.

Seriously, if a couple of guys on the internet know this big secret, don't you think the investors who really matter do as well?

[gonnabeapilot]

Ok, well for arguments sake, if I was a big time big money investor, then I too would realize this is just a smoke screen for getting him fired, which would negate the whole reason for not "spooking" me.

Seriously, if a couple of guys on the internet know this big secret, don't you think the investors who really matter do as well?

Maybe they do..... For arguments sake......

From today's Calgary Herald http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/today ... /story.htm

His abrupt departure after four years at the helm immediately raised speculation he was being ousted due to the problematic reservation system and delayed launch of WestJet's rewards program.

Shares of WestJet slipped 56 cents to close at $13.31 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

Not having something more concrete than "personal reasons" to point to in bringing on a leadership change will make investors nervous, said Genuity Capital analyst David Tyerman.

And from today's Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-in ... le1502483/

The CEO change also comes after several uncharacteristic glitches at WestJet under Mr. Durfy's tenure, including the botched launch of a new computer reservation system. The problem forced WestJet to issue an apology to customers, while also costing it revenue. WestJet also delayed the launch of a customer loyalty program, prompting observers to speculate the airline was trying to take on too many major projects at once.

“In our opinion, Durfy did some valuable things for WestJet during his tenure at the company,” Raymond James analyst Ben Cherniavsky said in a research note. “Nevertheless, we believe that given the circumstances change was necessary.”

The sudden announcement is reminiscent of WestJet's management upheaval in 2000, when then-CEO Stephen Smith parted ways unexpectedly. Recruited to expand the airline beyond its Western Canadian base, Mr. Smith clashed with Mr. Beddoe and, in a public airing of grievances, the chairman described Mr. Smith's management style as “militaristic.”

Mr. Beddoe was vacationing in California Tuesday and could not be reached. Though Mr. Durfy's departure doesn't have the same acrimony as Mr. Smith's, it has shaken the markets.

[hotwings56]

Ok, well for arguments sake, if I was a big time big money investor, then I too would realize this is just a smoke screen for getting him fired, which would negate the whole reason for not "spooking" me.

Seriously, if a couple of guys on the internet know this big secret, don't you think the investors who really matter do as well?

I don't think the market should be spooked anyway. WJ is viable going forward and THAT'S what the money guys do know. They know that a little turbulence in the executive suite is a part of doing business at the level these guys are playing at, big egos, big money, POWER. My point was that CB has a proven history of frying just about anybody who doesn't agree with him...I've been here since day one and I've seen it time and time again. The lead up, we've known for awhile all was not well in the head shed, the speed at which it happened, it looks like a classic CB as far as I'm concerned. In the end, you can believe whatever suits you.

[rudder]

At age 43, SD is certainly not done with this industry. He will take a year or two off to enjoy life and his family, and then his thoughts will turn to another challenge. He has enough $$$ to last several lifetimes so it will be about finding an opportunity that allows balance between work and family but also stimulates the competitive instinct. No point in badmouthing WJ on the way out the door. It was a great ride while it lasted. As for CB, he is a piece of work. Can you say 'control freak'?

[Arctic84]

At age 43, SD is certainly not done with this industry. He will take a year or two off to enjoy life and his family, and then his thoughts will turn to another challenge. He has enough $$$ to last several lifetimes so it will be about finding an opportunity that allows balance between work and family but also stimulates the competitive instinct. No point in badmouthing WJ on the way out the door. It was a great ride while it lasted. As for CB, he is a piece of work. Can you say 'control freak'?

I think Durf is done with the airline industry.

I expect that within the next couple of years he'll be back in a CEO seat at a very large corp. Royal Bank, Bombardier, Arc Energy, something like that.

[North Shore]

WRT all of the speculation and mouthing off here - how many of us would give our eye teeth to be able to say, at 43 years old, for whatever reason, on a Friday afternoon, "OK, that's it, I'm done," and not have to worry about getting a job ever again.

I know I would.

[stickontheice]

I don't know CB all that well nor do I know what was said or done at the number of board meetings leading up to SD departure but I do know what it is like to almost lose a family member. It changes you, forever. Suddenly chasing metal or building flight time isn't so important.

I can't imagine what Sean went through but I'm sure it shook him to his core. To think he was dealing with all that and leading WJ through everything we've been through especially in the last year, all I can say is a big thank you and good luck.

The man said he is leaving to spend more time with his family. There's the reason and anything else is speculation. Had a chance to meet Greg. Seems like a great guy. I think WJ is in very capable hands. The stock will show that in the coming weeks.

[TyrellCorp]

I'm not sure what this thread highlights more of, the childish behavior of so-called "professionals" or the ignorance of so-called "professionals".

Sean is leaving to spend time with his wife - who just recovered from a brain tumor - and Gregg is taking the helm of the most successful airline in Canada. Ex-CP or not, he's a smart guy and one that will (hopefully) take our growth and success to the next level.

I can't believe you guys are swallowing all this stuff...CB just axed another one, holly crap...they've been fighting for a long time now, talk about rose coloured glasses you guys. The kissy, kissy show is for the investors so noone gets nervous. CB is a very bad man...this I have seen/witnessed for many years now..wake up guys

LOL! That gave me a good laugh. BTW they don't need to wear rose coloured glasses. The Kool-Aid takes care of it!

Before anybody gets their knickers in a knot, yes it's all tongue in cheek!

[Rotten Apple #1]

Wow Hotwings, you must be working at WestJet for different reasons than me. CB could be blowing goats at lunchtime for all I care. What the hell difference does it make what his personality is...unless you're TM's bud and holding a grudge. It's not like he has A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G to do with a line pilot's job at WJ. Of course my opinion might be biased, as I've grossed 70G's at WJ so far this year...this company ROCKS!!!

Cheers to Sean Durfy and his family. He had my unwavering support and I hope he enjoys his retirement.

[tailgunner]

Johnny Dangerous,
I've told you a million times...stop exaggerating! But seriously, 70 g's in 2.5 months makes for like 30 000 a month! You could be the highest paid pilot on earth.

[hotwings56]

Wow Hotwings, you must be working at WestJet for different reasons than me. CB could be blowing goats at lunchtime for all I care. What the hell difference does it make what his personality is...unless you're TM's bud and holding a grudge. It's not like he has A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G to do with a line pilot's job at WJ. Of course my opinion might be biased, as I've grossed 70G's at WJ so far this year...this company ROCKS!!!

Cheers to Sean Durfy and his family. He had my unwavering support and I hope he enjoys his retirement.

He would have everything to do with your job if you crossed him, guarenteed. So you've just said you're only here for the money, I never was, it dropped in, thank you, but it was never about the money. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Westjet USED to be a great place to work.

[CanadaEH]

He would have everything to do with your job if you crossed him, guarenteed. So you've just said you're only here for the money, I never was, it dropped in, thank you, but it was never about the money. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Westjet USED to be a great place to work.

I am never one to suggest someone leave if they don't like where they work, but what makes you so damn jaded? The timing of Durfy leaving is really odd, but I don't believe for a second that he was pushed out the door. If that were the case, he'd be quietly leaving just like Ken McKenzie did. It takes a lot of balls to stand up and do what he did, and I give him a lot of respect for doing that AND going in front of the employees the other day with an open invitation to ask him whatever they want. I'm not sure you'd see that anywhere other than at WestJet.

[double-j]

Hotwings56, are you sure you are not an ex WJer with an axe to grind? I looked through your posts and found this.. perhaps a typo?

Just got the bad news today about Rick, a shock, noone here knew of a problem. I'd like to extend condolences from all of us here at Enerjet that knew Rick well and had the privilege to fly with him over the years, he will be sorely missed for sure.

No slight to rick, we all miss him dearly.

You sure you are not the fellow who did not get their passes?

just thinking out loud.

jj

[North of You]

I don’t think that is him double-j. That fellow has such anger issues, his key-boards never last long enough to type anything on before he smashes them to pieces while imagining it’s his last FO he worked with.

[invertedattitude]

Wow Hotwings, you must be working at WestJet for different reasons than me. CB could be blowing goats at lunchtime for all I care. What the hell difference does it make what his personality is...unless you're TM's bud and holding a grudge. It's not like he has A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G to do with a line pilot's job at WJ. Of course my opinion might be biased, as I've grossed 70G's at WJ so far this year...this company ROCKS!!!

Cheers to Sean Durfy and his family. He had my unwavering support and I hope he enjoys his retirement.

WestJet pilots are making $360K per year?