Westjet passengers surprised by 'impromptu' speech by CEO on flight
Westjet passengers on a flight from Toronto were surprised when the airline's CEO stood up to give an impromptu speech before takeoff.
Darren Dreger, a sportscaster for TSN, told CTV News Toronto he was on a flight from Toronto to Calgary on Wednesday when Alexis von Hoensbroech got up and spoke to passengers.
"He gave an impromptu speech prior to take off on a flight from Toronto to Calgary," Dreger said. "He's a very pleasant man."
Dreger said von Hoensbroech thanked passengers for their business, and encouraged anyone who was interested in speaking with him to come visit him in Row 7, which was an economy seat.
In a statement to CTV News Toronto, Westjet said von Hoensbroech has made it "standard practice" for him, or any other member of the executive leadership team, to greet and welcome guests anytime they are onboard a Westjet flight.
Dreger’s tweet about the incident – in which he asked followers if they could confirm if the man speaking was in fact von Hoensbroech – has been viewed more than 650,000 times.
von Hoensbroech, who has been the WestJet CEO since February 2022, responded to Dreger on Twitter saying "Confirmed. It's me."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.