News Airlines
Nolen to join WestJet as safety lead

Billy Nolen on February 24, 2020, is set to take on the role of vice-president, safety, security and quality, for WestJet. Reporting to WestJet CEO Ed Sims, Nolen will be responsible for the strategic direction of all safety, security and quality related activities across the WestJet group.

“Billy is a results-driven safety leader with an impressive record of accomplishments in aviation,” said Sims. “As WestJet continues our evolution to a network carrier with broader global reach, Billy’s experience in upholding the safety culture of some of world’s safest airlines will greatly benefit our continued commitment to safety above all.”

Nolen brings more than 30 years of operations and corporate safety, regulatory affairs and flight operations experience to WestJet. He is joining the Calgary-based airline from Qantas Airways Limited, where he served as executive manager, group safety and health, responsible for the safety performance of the Qantas Group.

Prior to his role at Qantas, Nolen served as senior vice-president, safety, security and operations at Airlines for America, and as managing director, corporate safety and regulatory affairs, for American Airlines.

Nolen also served in the United States Army as aviation safety officer and completed multiple tours of duty flying various fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft.

“WestJet clearly shares my passion for safety as it’s recognized to be one of the safest airlines,” said Nolen. “I look forward to being part of the WestJet team and to further strengthening its safety culture across its growing global network.”

Together with its regional airlines, WestJet Encore and WestJet Link, WestJet now offers scheduled service to more than 110 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe; and to more than 250 destinations in over 20 countries through its airline partnerships.