Canadian carrier WestJet is celebrating 25 years in business by recreating its first-ever flight from Calgary to Vancouver. The flight will be operated by 'day-one' WestJetters, including the captain, first officer and cabin crew, and carry 140 passengers who will be granted gifts of flight for charity.

WestJet's small beginnings

WestJet started life in 1996 with just three aircraft, five destinations and a 250-strong team, with the aim of bringing low-cost air travel to Canadians. Today the airline has grown to possess a fleet of 180 planes, over 100 destinations and 14,000 employees. The carrier's low-cost model took Canada by storm and helped bring affordable air travel to millions of Canadians.

Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO, said,

"A quarter century ago, WestJet provided Canadians with a choice in airlines; since that time, we have invested across the country to bring more options and competitive fares to millions of Canadians who couldn't afford the price of air travel prior."

According to Sims, WestJet has flown more than 300 million guests over its 25 years in business. The airline is known for its dedication to charitable and community causes, donating over 200,000 flights to charity. Its spirited WestJetters community, a team of volunteers, has clocked in over 575,000 hours of volunteer work through the WestJetters Caring for the Community program.

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Celebrating 25 years

For the special occasion, WestJet is operating its first-ever flight (WS129) with a crew who have been part of the airline since the very beginning. Day one employees, including the captain and first officer, cabin crew and flight dispatch, will manage the flight from Calgary to Vancouver.

Each of the 140 passengers onboard will receive a gift of flight donated to their charity of choice. Each gift permits a roundtrip flight for two passengers anywhere on WestJet's network and will be put towards charity and non-profit organizations.

"WestJet is committed to Canadian communities and we are honoured to provide others with the opportunity to share in our caring spirit by giving the gift of flight to the charity of their choice that may need an extra hand right now in fundraising,"

Less optimistic news for WestJet employees

Despite the cause for celebration, WestJet is going through tough times and has been forced to stand down or lay off employees in recent months. After Canada implemented stricter travel restrictions in January, the airline was forced to cut its capacity by a third and stand down around 1,000 employees.

With restrictions yet to be lifted, WestJet recently sent out layoff notices to an undisclosed number of its pilots. Canadian airlines are urgently seeking government funding to stay afloat, but there is little indication any kind of care package is imminent. The airline already announced 250 staff were to be laid off, including 120 cabin crew set to leave by March 2nd.

How often have you flown with WestJet? Where do you rank them amongst your favorite airlines? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.