Taking Innovation To New Heights

WestJet took innovation to new heights, bringing together WestJetters, frequent WestJet fliers and some of the brightest minds in the technology industry at its first hackathon today at the hangar at the WestJet campus in Calgary.

Over 100 members of the tech industry from 17 companies participated in WestJet’s inaugural #hackinthehangar which challenged teams to co-create and build world-class digital solutions focused on WestJet’s premium and global travellers. For more behind the scenes photos and videos from today’s hackathon please visit WestJet’s Twitter.

Alfredo C. Tan, WestJet’s chief digital and innovation officer, explained that: “The #hackinthehangar is focused on building digital solutions in a collaborative and fun environment, in a unique venue at a much greater velocity than ever before.”

Tan said: “This hackathon is an exciting step towards helping us think, move and act more like a tech company in some key parts of our business. This will help position WestJet as an industry leader in transforming the guest experience. Bringing this level of creative talent from some of the most innovative companies in the world to Calgary at this scale is incredibly unique.”

Attendees flying in to participate in the first-ever #hackinthehangar from across North America include teams from Adobe, Amazon, Deloitte Digital, Facebook, Google, Hootsuite, Huge Inc., IBM, LinkedIn, Media Experts/IPG, Microsoft, Panasonic Avionics, Sabre, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Snapchat and Twitter.

Two WestJetters and a premium guest traveller were also part of each of the teams.

Go to www.westjet.com for more.