In a press release on Friday, the Calgary-based airline walked back its plans for “densified seating” that reduced passengers’ legroom on some of its planes. The climbdown comes after customer backlash against the more cramped seating, and after the Canadian Union of Public Employees raised safety concerns over the move. (The Logic, The Canadian Press)

Talking point: WestJet’s reversal highlights the challenges airlines face as they look to cut costs and improve margins. The company has reportedly already installed the tighter seating on 22 of its Boeing 737s, and had planned to do the same on another 21 planes, but a viral TikTok video displaying the new arrangements drew national attention. In a statement, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said it was “in our DNA to try new products,” but added that “it is just as important to react quickly if they don’t meet the needs of our guests.” Meanwhile, Air Canada is reconfiguring some planes to offer added legroom for customers who pay a higher price.