WestJet-Sunwng merger to proceed after Canadian government grants approval

WestJet has been given the go-ahead by the Canadian government for its proposed merger with Sunwing Airlines. Omar Alghabra, Ottawa’s transport minister, said the decision was “not taken lightly” and will require Toronto-based Sunwing’s package holiday business to be extended. “We are pleased that the regulatory review of the transaction is now complete,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Group executive vice-president and chief People, corporate and sustainability Officer, who thanked the minister, the competition commissioner and transport officials for reviewing the deal. WestJet, which is headquartered in Calgary, announced its attempt to buy the rival carrier in March 2022. It is