Edmonton - Clive Beddoe, Chairman, President and CEO, WestJet Airlines, is the recipient of the 2004 Canadian Business Leader Award.

It was a passion for flying and airplanes that led Clive Beddoe to found WestJet in 1996 with fellow Calgary entrepreneurs, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan and Donald Bell. The company's lean management strategy, low cost structure and excellent service have ensured its growth through some of the toughest trends in the aviation transportation sector. Since the airline's inception, Mr. Beddoe has been instrumental in the development of the corporate culture, executive team and strategy that has made WestJet one of the most successful airlines in recent aviation history.

On February 29, 1996, the airline started flight operations with 220 employees and three aircraft to the cities of Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg. WestJet now employs over 3,500 people, has a fleet of 35 airplanes, and is Canada's largest coast-to-coast low-fare airline with over 24 destinations.

Beddoe's keep-it-simple philosophy is anchored on the recognition that airline travel is 'simply a mode of transportation.' WestJet's no-frills flights that focus on great service, timeliness and low fares have won customer loyalty and a significant share in the transportation marketplace. The company plans to grow its fleet to 44 by year-end and to offer flights to the U.S. by 2005.

The University of Alberta School of Business and its Business Advisory Council has presented the Canadian Business Leader Award annually since 1982 to Canadians whose leadership distinguishes them as men and women worthy of recognition. Recipients are leaders, entrepreneurs and pioneers of progress in the business world.