FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - WestJet nears deal for rival Sunwing - now shut down & merged with mainline business
Old Jan 20, 2023 | 12:41 pm
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Originally Posted by tcook052
Seems the "experts" are also expecting a Sunwing demise.

Experts say the sun may set on Sunwing as the airline struggles to keep its operations afloat

Gradek said Sunwing's reputation has been tarnished and loyal customers are dwindling.

"Its overambitious holiday schedule creating a lot of animosity, and the loss of brand value in the Canadian marketplace due to its actions, will end up having them pay a price," he said.

"There's no way Sunwing can escape some loss of market share and value."

It's going to be interesting to see how this all plays out. My hunch is that buyers of package holidays probably aren't all that brand sensitive (or even brand aware) -- but rather buy on price and availability. Travel agents, though, are probably a very different story. I've read some of the news articles about Sunwing's supposedly-temporary withdrawal from Saskatchewan, and TAs there have really been hurt. Sunwing customers might have short memories, but the agents who sold Sunwing and managed all of the fallout from what Sunwing has done probably won't. Sunwing has lost all credibility with their sales channel.
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