WR Engine Fire and Emergency Landing

Dear Members 
 

We have received several requests for information as well as concerns about events that took place on May 31, 2023, with our WestJet Encore group. We have met with WestJet Encore leadership and would like to share the following: 

On Wednesday, May 31 WestJet Encore Flight 9820 was travelling from Calgary to Fort Chipewyan to support the community’s wildfire evacuation efforts, when it experienced an engine compressor stall after take-off. WestJet Encore has shared that this resulted in the Flight Crew performing an engine shut down due to an engine fire indication. The crew followed all standard safety procedures, extinguished the fire, and landed safely in YYC. As this was an aircraft positioning flight to Fort Chipewyan, there were no guests on board.  
 

The Leadership at WestJet Encore has advised the Union as a preliminary measure, they have removed several aircraft from the network to undergo further inspection and this will not have an impact on the operations. 
 

We would like to acknowledge our members' concerns as this is the second of two incidents that appear similar in nature. WestJet Encore Leadership has committed to keep both Local 4070 Executive Team and the WestJet Encore Occupational Health and Safety committee updated as this is investigated fully by the Transportation Safety Board.  
 

We would also like to recognize the professionalism and courage both crews displayed under the circumstances. 
 

Please be assured we will continue to actively pursue information and ensure our membership receives the support and information it deserves. We will continue to assert our position, demanding information from the Employer regarding the critical matters of concern to our members.    
 

We are committed to keeping our Membership informed. We will share information as it becomes available.