WestJet has chosen JLL to manage its 1.9-million-square foot Canadian facilities portfolio.

The mandate includes the airline’s Calgary headquarters and 17 airport locations across Canada.

“Partnering with JLL strengthens our ability to manage a complex, nationwide portfolio with consistency, efficiency and innovation,” said Doug Townsend, WestJet’s senior manager of corporate real estate. “Their proven aviation expertise and advanced tools will help us deliver reliable, cost-effective corporate real estate and facilities operations while elevating the experience for our employees and our guests.”

JLL’s aviation team, led by its managing director Koley MacKay, will oversee the full range of building operations, including electrical, elevator and HVAC maintenance; fire and life safety; janitorial and groundskeeping; as well as waste management and recycling. JLL will also provide project and development services as required.

In addition, JLL will deploy digital platforms such as Corrigo, Azara, JAGGAER and Avetta to streamline sourcing, manage work orders and generate cost savings.

“Our specialized aviation expertise, combined with our innovative technology platform and dedicated team, positions us to help WestJet optimize their facilities operations while reducing costs and enhancing the passenger and employee experience across their extensive network,” said MacKay.

JLL’s aviation leaders, including account lead Winnie Buchanan and operations director Jeff Anderson, will direct day-to-day operations, with support from the firm’s broader aviation and industrials divisions.

The commercial real estate firm’s assignment comes after WestJet and Germany’s Lufthansa partnered in February on the development of a new $120-million aircraft repair facility at Calgary International Airport, marking a significant expansion of the city’s aviation sector.

The project is part of a record 15-year, multi-billion-dollar contract between WestJet and Lufthansa Technik whereby the aircraft-maintenance and repair firm will service the airline’s fleet of 50 Boeing 737 Max airplanes.

Construction is slated to conclude in 2027.

Photo: Courtesy of JLL