Encore - Q400 - Pilot - First Officer - 2026 - YYC

21 Aerial Pl NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W6, Canada

Job Description

Posted Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1:00 a.m. | Expires Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 12:59 a.m.

Please note: This position is not eligible for remote work under our hybrid work policy.

Why WestJet:

Since our story took off in 1996, WestJet has strived to enrich the lives of everyone in our world; a career with us is no exception. We’re proud to be one of Canada’s most admired and respected corporate cultures and continuously aim for the highest standards of service and success.

Overview of the role:

At WestJet Encore, our pilots create a memorable travel experience for our guests while working among one of Canada’s most admired and respected corporate cultures.  Our pilots provide safe and efficient air travel across an expansive network serviced by a fleet of state-of-the-art De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) turboprop aircraft.  In addition, they are team-oriented providing leadership to our flight crews while being a brand ambassador of WestJet’s corporate values.   

Key deliverables:

• The ability to follow standard operating procedures: ensuring the safety of our crew and guests  

• Lead by example, demonstrating honesty and integrity 

• The ability to work within a dynamic team environment and communicate effectively   

• Flexible and adaptable to respond to the changing demands of the operation and business  

• Professional and committed to upholding WestJet values  

Minimum experience and qualifications: 

• 750 hours total time

• 100 hours fixed-wing pilot-in-command time 

• Valid Transport Canada Group 1 Instrument Rating 

• Valid Transport Canada Class 1 Medical Certificate 

• Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)  (EN) 

• Transport Canada Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) is preferred 

• Completion of either the IATRA or the SAMRA and SARON  (Exams must be valid and expiration through to PPC)

• Legally entitled to work in Canada  

• Current valid passport and Canadian Permanent Resident Card, if you are not a holder of a Canadian passport

• All required visas or travel documents allowing you to freely travel unrestricted  

• Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) obtained prior to the completion of Initial Ground School 

• Clear police background and criminal record check  

• Offers of employment are conditional on passing a pre-employment alcohol and drug screening test 

• Oral and written proficiency in English

Preference will be given to candidates who exceed the minimum qualifications and experience, including but not limited to

• Accumulated flight time of over 1000 hours

• Experience with multi-engine and multi-crew operations

• Previous internal experience as a WestJetter

• Graduation from one of our partnership schools

WestJet Encore supports a Pilot-in-Command Under Supervision (PICUS) program for First Officers who hold a CPL to accrue PICUS flight time and experience. First Officers may carry out 200 hours in an Encore aircraft for a maximum credit of 100 hours PICUS towards ATPL requirements as detailed in CAR 421.11.  

The benefits of being a WestJetter:

WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:  

• A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win  
• Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
• Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs  

Think we’re a great fit? Apply now!

About WestJet Group of Companies  

WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Since the Sunwing Airlines integration in 2025, more than 15,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to our global network of more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The WestJet Group is a major Canadian employer and includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Encore and Sunwing Vacations Group. We’re Canada’s leading value airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

Our safety promise

At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. Safety and security are shared responsibilities all team members are expected to use safe work practices to ensure their well-being and the safety of others. WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as Safey-Sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy. 

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We embrace what makes each of us unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. We welcome diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds so if you're passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply – even if you don't meet every qualification listed. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity and accessibility throughout the selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at talent@westjet.com.

We value the time and effort you put into your application. Our recruitment process is highly competitive and while every applicant will receive communication regarding their application status, only those selected to move forward will be contacted with next steps. If this role isn’t the right fit, we encourage you to explore future opportunities with us.

For more information about everything WestJet, please westjet.com/aboutus.

If you wish to withdraw your application or request that your personal information be deleted, please contact us at (see our website).

Job Details

Job Family

Airline Operations

Job Function

Flight Crew

Pay Type

Hourly