A WestJet flight attendant had formally warned Transport Canada about potentially dangerous aircraft seat malfunctions weeks before a viral video brought the safety concerns to public attention, according to internal documents obtained by WestNet News.
The crew member, whose identity is being protected under whistleblower provisions, filed a detailed safety report with the federal aviation regulator on February 15, 2026, documenting multiple instances of passenger seat failures during flights between Calgary and Vancouver.
The complaint specifically outlined incidents where seat backs collapsed unexpectedly during turbulence, armrests detached from their mounting points, and tray tables failed to lock in position. The flight attendant expressed concerns that these malfunctions could result in passenger injuries during emergency evacuations or severe weather events.
"The crew member followed proper protocols and demonstrated exactly the kind of proactive safety reporting we want to see in the aviation industry," said aviation safety expert Dr. Sarah Chen from the University of Calgary's Schulich School of Engineering. "It's troubling that it took a viral social media video to generate meaningful action on these concerns."
The viral footage, which surfaced on March 20 and has since accumulated over 2.3 million views across social media platforms, showed a passenger's seat completely detaching from the aircraft floor during a WestJet flight from Calgary to Toronto. The incident prompted Transport Canada to launch an immediate investigation into the airline's maintenance procedures.
WestJet spokesperson Jennifer Morrison confirmed the airline received the February safety report and had initiated internal reviews of affected aircraft. "Safety is our top priority, and we take all crew concerns seriously," Morrison stated. "We have been working closely with Transport Canada throughout this process and have implemented enhanced inspection protocols."
Transport Canada officials acknowledged receiving the early warning but declined to comment on specific enforcement actions, citing the ongoing investigation. The federal department has since ordered inspections of WestJet's entire Boeing 737 fleet, affecting approximately 180 aircraft.
The Calgary-based airline has faced increased scrutiny from both regulators and passengers following several high-profile incidents over the past year. Industry analysts suggest the seat safety issues could stem from accelerated wear due to increased flight schedules as travel demand rebounds post-pandemic.
Passengers booked on WestJet flights have expressed growing concerns about aircraft safety, with some seeking refunds or switching to competitor airlines. The airline's stock price has declined 8% since the viral video emerged, reflecting investor uncertainty about potential regulatory penalties and repair costs.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, representing WestJet flight attendants, praised the crew member's proactive safety reporting while calling for stronger protections for employees who raise safety concerns. "Our members are the front line of passenger safety, and their voices must be heard and acted upon promptly," union representative Maria Santos said.
Transport Canada has indicated it will release preliminary findings from its investigation by April 15, with potential enforcement actions to follow. The agency has also announced plans to review reporting procedures to ensure safety concerns receive more immediate attention from both airlines and regulators.