WestJet Encore | First Officer

First Officer - Q400 - WestJet Encore

Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Job Family: Airline Operations | Job Function: Flight Crew

Role Overview

WestJet Encore is seeking professional First Officers to join our flight operations team. Pilots in this role are responsible for providing safe and efficient air travel across our expansive network, operating the state-of-the-art De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) turboprop aircraft. Successful candidates will serve as brand ambassadors, demonstrating leadership and commitment to WestJet’s corporate values while ensuring a memorable travel experience for our guests. Please note that this position is not eligible for remote work.

Key Deliverables

• Adherence to standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of crew and guests.
• Demonstration of honesty, integrity, and professional leadership.
• Effective communication and collaboration within a dynamic team environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to evolving operational and business demands.
• Active commitment to upholding the core values of WestJet.

Minimum Qualifications

• 750 hours of total flight time.
• 100 hours of fixed-wing pilot-in-command (PIC) time.
• Valid Transport Canada Group 1 Instrument Rating.
• Valid Transport Canada Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
• Completion of IATRA or both SAMRA and SARON exams (must be valid through to Pilot Proficiency Check).
• Legal entitlement to work in Canada.
• Current valid passport and, if not a Canadian passport holder, a Canadian Permanent Resident Card.
• Possession of required visas or travel documents to allow unrestricted travel.
• Ability to obtain a Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) prior to completion of Initial Ground School.
• Clear police background and criminal record check.
• Oral and written proficiency in English.
• Employment is conditional upon passing a pre-employment alcohol and drug screening test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Transport Canada Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
• Accumulated flight time exceeding 1000 hours.
• Experience in multi-engine and multi-crew operations.
• Previous internal experience as a WestJetter.
• Graduation from a WestJet partnership school.

Program Information

WestJet Encore supports a Pilot-in-Command Under Supervision (PICUS) program for First Officers holding a CPL to assist in accruing flight time toward ATPL requirements as detailed in CAR 421.11, allowing for a maximum credit of 100 hours PICUS.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and friendly corporate culture.
• Travel privileges for employees and their families effective from the start date.
• Flexible savings and benefit programs.

About WestJet

Since 1996, the WestJet Group has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada. Following the integration of Sunwing Airlines in 2025, the group now supports nearly 200 aircraft, connecting guests to over 100 destinations globally. As a major Canadian employer, WestJet is committed to providing affordable, accessible travel and maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for all guests and employees.