WestJet Parks Boeing 737s as Flight Attendant Strike Deadline Looms

WestJet has begun parking its Boeing 737 fleet as it prepares for a possible strike by its flight attendants. The airline is taking this precautionary measure to avoid stranding planes and crews at outstations if flights are halted at short notice.

The current standoff centers on WestJet's mainline flight attendants, whose contract expired at the end of 2025. Negotiations over pay, scheduling, and compensation for duties such as boarding and turnaround work have intensified through July, culminating in a 72-hour strike notice.

WestJet has argued that it needs flexibility to compete in a low-margin sector while still investing in its fleet and network. However, the union has secured a strong strike mandate from its members, reflecting frustration over wage growth, unpaid duties, and work rules that flight attendants say have not kept pace with industry norms.