By Gary Watson | December 5, 2013 Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 20 seconds.
At one time, calling an airline “Mickey Mouse” was considered an insult. Not to WestJet! The Canadian airline prides itself on its close relationship with the Walt Disney Company and its iconic mouse mascot.
On Dec. 2, in Calgary, WestJet unveiled tangible evidence of the link between WestJet Vacations and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, with the presentation of a specially painted B737-800. The aircraft features the Magic Kingdom and its famous mouse, reprising his role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
C-GWSZ was secretly painted at Aviation Technical Services (ATS) in Everett, Wash., flown into Calgary after dark, and unveiled to the media and WestJet employees yesterday morning..
The paint scheme is very complex, with 36 different paint colours, and was completed in 24 days at ATS. A team worked around the clock to ensure the aircraft would arrive in Calgary on Dec. 1. Interior changes consisted of seat headrests and lavatory mirrors modified with starbursts, and flight attendants will serve special cookies in the shape of Disney characters.
Branded the Magic Plane (#MagicPlane), the aircraft will perform its inaugural flight today, Dec. 3, from Calgary to Orlando, Fla., home of the Walt Disney World Resort. On board will be 16 members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, from cities across the country. Along with club chaperones and WestJet volunteers, the group will travel to Orlando for three days of fun, “pay-it-forward” charity activities, teambuilding and leadership training at Walt Disney World Resort. Following the flight, the Magic Plane will be integrated into WestJet’s domestic and international route structure. WestJet serves Orlando with 39 flights per week, from 11 Canadian cities during the peak winter months.
