WestJet computer 'hiccups' cause delays

WestJet Airlines Ltd. is experiencing problems as it switches over to its new Sabre computer reservation system, with temporary glitches in the new technology leaving many customers frustrated. Since Saturday, the airline's website has periodically gone offline, leading to long waits to get through to its swamped call centre. There have also been some flight delays averaging 40 minutes. But Catherine Dyer, WestJet's vice-president of distribution, said yesterday that the carrier is working with the Sabre Travel Network to address the "hiccups." She urged consumers to only contact the call centre if they have queries about bookings for today or tomorrow, to help ease the crush of calls. "We are expecting things to improve day over day," Ms. Dyer said in an interview. "Things will get more stable as we move over the balance of the week." WJA (TSX) fell 14 cents to $11.10.