a Block Space Agreement (BSA), aimed at increasing cargo capacities between the East Coast of Canada and London, and potential onforwarding to Virgin Atlantic destinations such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Dubai (DXB), Riyadh (RUH), or Lagos (LOS). The year-round commercial partnership will strengthen trade links between Canada and key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. For Virgin Atlantic, the partnership is a milestone, connecting with the Canadian cargo market again after an absence of over 20 years. Some 20 tons of cargo uplift will be bookable every day on Virgin Atlantic’s London flights, and all shipments from Toronto will be moved under a WestJet Cargo Air Waybill (AWB) starting 838. Virgin Atlantic chose WestJet Cargo as its partner because it is a strong, reliable and professional cargo player in the Canadian market. “This partnership represents a renewed commitment by Virgin Atlantic to the Canadian cargo market, connecting inbound cargo via its state-of-the-art cargo facility at London Heathrow, and signals a new era of strategic growth and innovation for WestJet Cargo,” the press release states.
Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President of WestJet Cargo, explained: “Virgin Atlantic’s decision to entrust WestJet Cargo with managing this crucial route is a testament to our deep understanding of the Canadian market and our operational excellence. It’s a natural synergy with the same ground handling in both Toronto Pearson International and London Heathrow. We have a super team based in Toronto who are eager to make this commercial partnership a success for both carriers. Our specialized expertise in handling high-value commodities such as pharmaceuticals and valuables, ensures that customers receive reliable, top-tier service, all while providing seamless access to Virgin Atlantic’s London service, and beyond.”
Nick Diesel, Managing Director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo, said: “We’re thrilled to further enhance our commercial partnership with WestJet, leveraging their longstanding cargo expertise in the Canadian marketplace. This collaboration will ensure our customers across the region will have seamless access and added capacity throughout Virgin Atlantic’s global network. Canada is an important market for us, and this partnership enables us to provide cargo solutions that support trade and business growth between Toronto, London and beyond.”
