WestJet Cargo to launch Safe'Air for high value cargo
Valuable cargo will be escorted by security agents and transported separately to and from the aircraft
WestJet Cargo has extended its product portfolio, and premiered a comprehensive solution for the transport of high value cargo, be it banknotes, jewellery, precious metals and stones, or other highly valuable goods.
"WestJet Cargo’s guiding principle behind the launch of its dedicated product Safe’Air in January, initially between Canada and the U.S. and soon to rapidly expand across the entire WestJet network - reliable, secure, and offering the necessary discretion expected by customers shipping every kind of valuable cargo," says an official release.
Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice-President, Cargo, WestJet says: “Our commitment to excellence extends to every area of our business, from network to operations to anticipating and meeting the needs of our customers. The trust and market demand that our dedicated cargo operations have garnered in just half a year have also led to increasing demand for a dedicated valuables product. We have therefore been hard at work establishing our very own WestJet to both operationally safeguard those high value shipments entrusted to us, and commercially ensure that we always deliver on our promises.”
The Safe'Air product caters to a diverse range of sectors requiring secure and specialised handling of valuable cargo, "and was developed in close collaboration with freight forwarders focused on the secure cargo transportation of these high value goods from banking to luxury goods, high-end technology, pharmaceuticals, and confidential document transport."
Nawal Mir, Product Manager, WestJet Cargo adds: “Our product has been meticulously designed with the utmost emphasis on security and efficiency. Every step of the valuable handling process has been painstakingly analysed, potential risks identified and measures implemented to mitigate them."
Dedicated security measures put in place to prevent tampering, pilferage and unauthorised access include third-party oversight, direct supervision, secure storage protocols, and the use of specialised security containers, the release added. "Each container bears a unique serial number and is sealed with high-quality, individually numbered metal seals. All valuable cargo is escorted by security agents and transported separately to and from the aircraft."
Mir says: “All hands on deck, all eyes on the ball, and absolutely no loopholes allowed. We’ve created a true Freight Knox service at four of our stations, and will roll it out to other destinations as soon as we are certain they are ready and capable of delivery."
The high value service is initially available between Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. All other stations will be launched in priority of customer demand from next year, the release added.
