WestJet Airlines files a statement of claim against Air Canada

Airline Industry Information, Dec 16, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines Ltd has said that it has filed statement of claim against Air Canada over alleged abuse of the legal system.

WestJet is reportedly the target of a CAD220m (USD179m) suit, filed over alleged industrial espionage. The airline said it had filed the claim against Air Canada and three of its current and former executives, Reuters reported.

WestJet was sued by Air Canada over allegations that a former WestJet executive had been responsible for his staff gaining access to private Air Canada data through an employee website. This access would have been carried out nearly 0.25m times. Chief executive of WestJet Clive Beddoe, who was named in the suit, said in late October this year that the airline had won the right to gain access to the plaintiffs' financial records to determine if there is any reason for the claims.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))