Canada's two major airlines, WestJet Airlines and Air Canada, have joined US airlines in a round of fare increases aimed at recouping higher fuel costs.

WestJet said on Friday it will increase its base fares on short-haul flights of less than 300 miles by CAD$5 each way, with fares for longer flights increasing by CAD$8 to CAD$12. The higher fares will take effect on Monday.

Air Canada announced the same rate hikes on Thursday for both its flights in Canada and to the United States. Fares will also go up on regional carrier Air Canada Jazz.

Calgary, Alberta-based WestJet also said it will speed up the phase-out of its older and less fuel-efficient Boeing 737-200 aircraft. It said it expects to be flying only newer 737s by March 2006.

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