Dozens of WestJet pilots over the age of 65 are set to lose their jobs next month under a new age-restricted flying policy introduced by the airline earlier this year.

WestJet informed pilots of the new policy by email on July 3, with Oct. 31 set as the final day of employment for those affected, according to Capt. Bernie Lewall, chair of the WestJet pilots Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association.

If the policy is enforced, 44 pilots will be out of a job immediately, with about 200 more potentially affected over the next five years, Lewall said.

“This decision by WestJet management will affect many of their long-term dedicated employees that helped build WestJet into the respected airline it is today,” Lewall said in a statement provided to Postmedia. “We belie

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