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WestJet Airlines Ltd. is eliminating nearly half of its workforce as a result of COVID-19’s devastating impact on the aviation industry.

The Calgary-based airline announced Tuesday 6,900 employees out of a total of 14,000 are receiving notices of voluntary and involuntary leaves. In a video message posted online by the company, CEO Ed Sims called the cuts “devastating.”

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“We are now operating at the same size that we were back in 2003,” Sims said, adding 90 per cent of the departures were voluntary and take the form of early retirements, unpaid leaves of absence and voluntary resignations. Some employees have also accepted pay cuts or reduced work weeks.

“I commend those who chose to stand down so our airline can stand up,” Sims said, pledging that WestJet management will fight “tooth and nail” to preserve the company. “We will look to rise again.”

WestJet and other airlines around the world have seen their revenues dry up as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to border closures, cancelled flights and a near-complete collapse in leisure travel demand.