Originally Posted by
Symmetre
Westjet continues accelerating on its new race to become Canada's Ryanair.
Originally Posted by
aerobod
If they are expanding and profitable, then that’s maybe what the market needs (not the same as what it wants, but price vs product tends to win out for the majority of people).
Ryanair has consistently been at or near the top of the airline profit margins for the past couple of decades, so definitely a valid business model.
Ryanair is transparent about offering a bare-bones product, and doesn't try to spin 28" pitch as an enhancement. Ryanair has very lean operations, but also has functional IT and strong on-time performance and completion factor.
WestJet seems to be trying to model Ryanair operationally, but doesn't have the reliability or IT self-serve features. From a product positioning standpoint, Ryanair is clear that it's bare bones, while WestJet seems to be confusing customers by advertising like they are a full service airline, until people step onboard and find a bare bones offer.
WestJet might be making $ in the short term, but the confused product offer and poor service is destroying a brand that was once an industry darling.