Chris White-Devries Email & Phone Number

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Represent WestJet and lead engagement in its business with airport authorities, acting as the primary representative for the organization on all matters relating to commercial and long term objectives. This includes negotiating and implementing commercial agreements with airport partners that establish strategic alignment of WestJet network goals and Airport capital plans. Additionally, I chair key Airline Consultative Committees (ACCs) in both hub and non-hub Canadian airports where WestJet is the lead carrier. In remaining airports, I act as WestJet’s primary representative in Airline-Airport Affairs Committees (AAACs) in the US as well as other consultative airport committees in Europe in matters pertaining to annual operating and capital budgets, rates and charges, use/lease agreements and negotiations. This requires maintaining detailed airport rates and charges models in order to provide accurate budgets and forecasts, and to work with airports and other carriers to minimize rates and charges. I am also accountable to develop long term multi-year commercial and operational plans for strategic airports, ensuring that growth models are created that align with airport facility capacity and network plans. I direct the development and implementation of processes to support key strategic airport related projects including business case development, planning and negotiation strategies, and executive level presentations. This requires I partner with key internal business stakeholders including Network & Schedule Planning, Revenue, Marketing, Airport Operations, Corporate Real Estate, Finance, Government Relations, Alliances and other departments to ensure all interests are captured and reflect organizational strategic objectives.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Lead hub operations and have oversight of operational teams. Manage a team of operational Hub Duty Managers, who in turn have management oversight of ~36 operational managers and specialized teams (ticketing, irregular operations, staff allocation, and safety compliance).Accountable for regulatory compliance with multiple agencies (CBSA, CBP, Transport Canada, etc). Also hold a portfolio maintaining operational relationships with ~30 Codeshare & Interline partners at YVR in concert with WestJet Alliances commercial priorities. Additionally, act as the primary liaison with the Vancouver Airport Authority on behalf of WestJet for short, medium & long term operational objectives and priorities.

Greater New York City Area

Expanded region to 11 airports in USA East (pre-pandemic) in 2018, and later expanded to a further seven in Europe in 2019. At the onset, the region was significantly under-performing. I was able to turn it into one of the best performing in just over six months. During this time, I led multiple ground handler changes, terminal & facility projects, and drove cross-functional changes within the organization. Successfully managed the entry of WestJet into new markets/airports in both the US and Europe (and was in launch-preparation of an additional four stations immediately prior to the pandemic).During the pandemic, oversaw the rapid closure of all airports in the region including the shut-down of several that were in imminent launch phase for new service. During this time, also re-started (and subsequently closed) over 10 of the stations multiple times. Additionally, completed several terminal moves during the closures to meet commercial objectives.

New York, Ny

Led a team of managers in four airports (LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, John F Kennedy, and Boston Logan International Airports). Accountable for station safety & operational targets, ground handler performance, as well as regulatory compliance. In 2014, managed the startup of operations at JFK airport, and subsequently in 2016, launched operations and expansion in Boston (which was WestJet Encore's first international destination.)

Calgary, Canada

Reporting to the Director of the Operations Control Centre, managed the day-of operations of the airline as well as all OCC teams’ day-of roles. Fleet size at the time of the role was 101 aircraft with ~500 flights/day and transporting ~50,000 guests/day.

Calgary, Canada

Coordinated passenger movements and service recovery on all WestJet flights. Acted as a contact person for both internal and external parties/vendors regarding all irregular operations.

Calgary, Canada

A maternity-term position: Managed the irregular operations team, with 17 direct reports. Also responsible for budgets, variance reports, and analytics. Worked closely with many departments, including Accounting, Marketing, Airports, and Customer Relations.

Calgary, Canada

Primary job duties included advance operational manpower planning, monitoring/adapting manpower to the airline’s daily operation, and often acting as the local point of contact for irregular operations at the Vancouver International Airport.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Front-line airport customer service position.

Vancouver, Canada

Coordinated recruitment of volunteers and provided peer support to those who participated in UBC’s volunteer program (TREK). Met regularly with manager and director in order to adapt the program to the volunteer’s needs (I was with the program when it was incepted). Also responsible for making numerous presentations and speaking in panel discussions.

Standard Ground Handling Agreement (Sgha) Negotiation Skills, Iata Centre, Beijing ,China

Flight Dispatcher Examinations, Meteorology & Flight Operations

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Human Physiology And Immunology

Graduated with distinction, and was also the recipient of several academic and service awards.