The head of Calgary-based WestJet has torn into the Liberal government for green-lighting the takeover of Air Transit by Montreal-based Air Canada..Ed Sims said Friday that the government’s decision to approve the $180-million deal will mean less choice and higher fares for Canadian travellers..“This decision shows blatant disregard for all Canadians who believe in healthy competition,” said Sims, WestJet President and CEO..“When Canadians look to explore the world and reunite with family and friends once again, they will face fewer choices and higher fares.”.In a statement, Sims pointed out the government’s own Competition Bureau said there would be higher fares if the deal went ahead..“Eliminating the rivalry between these airlines would result in increased prices, less choice, decreases in service and a significant reduction in travel by Canadians on a variety of routes where their existing networks overlap,” the bureau said..Sims said: “It is hard to imagine a deal as anti-competitive in any industry where the number one player buys number three without meaningful remedies..“This is a serious setback to Canada’s economy. The Competition Bureau themselves described such cosmetic remedies as inadequate. Canadians should be profoundly disappointed,” he said..Because of Air Canada’s and Air Transat’s large operations overseas, the takeover still must receive approval from the European Commission..Two weeks ago, Air Transat said they were grounding operation after the feds asked airlines to stop flying to sun and sands destinations to try and prevent the spread of COVID-19..WestJet plans to lay off 120 cabin crew members as of March 2, because of the lack of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
