Tuesday, 24 July 2007

Looking for a business success story? Look no further than WestJet

Calgary Alberta based WestJet is a discount airline that has been in operation since 1996.

They were profitable while the rest of the industry was crying after 9/11. They have the ability to weather the storms within their industry.

There are a number of reasons why they can weather those storms:
  • Unquestionable customer focus: The customer is #1.
  • Provide an unrivaled flight experience from terminal to terminal.
  • Every employee receives 2 profit share cheques a year.
  • Excellent employee benefits.
  • A truly "team" based business culture.
We fly WestJet. We don't look to the other carrier and its "discount" carrier divisions.

Why? Poor in-flight experiences. Too much internal strife between the company and its employees. That strife shows in the service, or lack thereof.

WestJet went from 3 aircraft flying to 5 destinations in Western Canada to 66 aircraft flying 64 destinations in 12 countries. Their approximate revenues will be in the order of $1.8 billion.

If you know anyone interested in a career in the airline industry, WestJet is definitely one company to check out.

From the CBC: Beddoe stepping down as WestJet CEO, will remain as chairman.

Congratulations to Mr. Clive Beddoe and the other co-founders of WestJet!

For me personally, Mr. Beddoe and WestJet are definitely role models for those who aspire to grow their own company in a healthy manner: Customer and employee focused. They are role models for me.

WestJet's home page.

WestJet's Job Page.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

*All Mac on SBS posts are posted on our in-house iMac via the Safari Web browser.

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