Category Archives: WestJet Link

WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines launch an interline cooperation

WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines today launched a reciprocal interline relationship, the first interline collaboration for Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Guests can now purchase a single ticket from either airline for travel involving connecting flights between their networks. Guests will enjoy the confidence of optimized connecting times and the convenience of checking in and receiving boarding passes for all flights at the first point of departure.

Pacific Coastal Airlines Route Map:

This new interline expands the existing relationship between the airlines, through which Pacific Coastal Airlines operates all WestJet Link flights on behalf of WestJet under a capacity purchase agreement, serving 11 communities in Alberta and British Columbia.

Top Copyright Photo: Pacific Coastal Airlines SAAB 340B C-FPCZ (msn 356) (skier) YVR (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 959155.

Videos:

PCA aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet enhances intra-B.C. connectivity with new service between Penticton and Vancouver

WestJet is welcoming the airline’s newest regional route with the announcement of service between Penticton, B.C., (below) and Vancouver beginning in February of 2023. The route will strengthen critical intra-provincial connectivity for British Columbians and local businesses and is scheduled to operate six-times weekly on WestJet Link.

The new service will stimulate business and leisure travel between the cities with flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and makes WestJet the only airline serving both Calgary and Vancouver direct from Penticton. Through the airline’s capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airline, all flights will be operated by WestJet Link, using a fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft.

The expansion of service is the 11th destination within the WestJet Link network and will connect more guests in smaller communities to WestJet’s global network.

Route	Start Date	Frequency	Operated by	Departure	Arrival
Vancouver – Penticton*	Beginning February 17, 2023	6x Weekly (excluding Saturday)	WestJet Link	12:45 p.m.	1:35 p.m.
Penticton – Vancouver*	Beginning February 17, 2023	6x Weekly (excluding Saturday)	WestJet Link	2:05 p.m.	2:55 p.m.

*new route

WestJet Link-Pacific Coastal Airlines Route Map:

WestJet Link aircraft slide show:

WestJet Link aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet Group welcomes the border changes

WestJet Group issued this statement:

The WestJet Group welcomes today’s announcement from the federal government outlining changes to Canada’s border measures and travel policies effective February 28, 2022. The WestJet Group will continue to advocate, based on science and data, for the removal of all measures impacting fully-vaccinated air travelers.

“The removal of travel barriers for fully-vaccinated travelers and families is a positive step forward for our industry; we have been advocating tirelessly for these changes on behalf of our guests and our communities,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President, External Affairs. “As a fully-vaccinated industry, we have worked with public health authorities and all governments to curb COVID-19 and today’s announcement validates that travel has never been a significant vector of transmission.”

WestJet continues to advocate for the return to surveillance arrivals testing only and for the federal government to outline a recovery roadmap for the travel and tourism industry, based on science and reflective of the current realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As measures transition and Canada’s pandemic situation continues to improve, we are optimistic that the remaining policies will be reassessed and removed for fully-vaccinated travellers in the weeks ahead as outlined today by the Ministers,” continued Avery.

The WestJet Group opposes re-introduction of blanket air travel advisory

The WestJet Group is expressing its strong opposition to the travel advisory issued by the Government of Canada. The targeted advice outlined is not based on science and data and significantly undermines aviation’s proven safety record in response to COVID-19. These measures are a setback in Canada’s progress and its successful transition from relying on blanket advisories and policies.

“Air travel is the most tested and protected consumer activity in Canada, every person travelling internationally is tested on average twice throughout their travel journey,” said Harry Taylor, WestJet President and CEO. “As the only fully-vaccinated air travel sector in the world, WestJet is calling on the government to publicly share the travel related COVID-19 data that has been used to re-impose the advisory and advice targeted towards fully-vaccinated Canadians and the travel and tourism industry.”

International travel standards and policies should be harmonized, yet Canada’s travel measures remain firmly out of step with border policies enacted across the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. The advisory announced today, contradicts WHO’s guidance that states blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread of COVID-19 and adversely affect lives and livelihoods. The Government of Canada should continue to focus on vaccinations and testing, as the pathway for safe and fully-vaccinated international air travel must be preserved.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, we have safely flown more than seven million guests and air travel has been commended for its commitment to safety. Fully-vaccinated Canadians should not be singled-out for choosing to take part in a safe activity,” continued Taylor. “Travel bans, restrictions and blanket advisories are devastating to the continued economic recovery of our country and place tens of thousands of recently recalled Canadian travel and tourism jobs at risk. We are very concerned today’s announcement will create unnecessary disruption and chaos in advance of the holiday travel season.”

Since the onset of the pandemic, The WestJet Group has responded to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all. The airline has implemented its own measures in response to the pandemic including a zero-tolerance mask policy, enhancing health and safety measures, suspending sun flights and implementing the airline’s mandatory vaccination policy for employees and air travelers.

WestJet flights between Dawson Creek and Calgary take off

WestJet on September 8 launched its newest route with the departure of WestJet Link flight 3027 connecting Calgary and Dawson Creek, B.C.

The inaugural marks a new link for the regions’ business, travel and tourism markets as WestJet becomes the only carrier to provide nonstop service between the Peace River Region and its largest hub in Calgary, where the airline is the largest carrier, offering the most seats and flights.

Upon flight 3027’s arrival in Dawson Creek, the inaugural service was celebrated by Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead alongside Chris Hedlin, WestJet’s Vice-President of Network Planning and key regional business leaders.

The new service and new route for WestJet operates four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. WestJet Link flights are operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines using its fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat SAAB 340 aircraft.

With the addition of Calgary–Dawson Creek service, WestJet Link now operates five routes between Calgary and Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster and Medicine Hat and three between Vancouver and Cranbrook, Nanaimo and Comox.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Dawson Creek:

Route	Frequency	Start Date	Departure	Arrival
Calgary – Dawson Creek	4x weekly	September 8, 2021	3:30 p.m	4:37 p.m
Dawson Creek – Calgary	4x weekly	September 8, 2021	5:15 p.m	8:13 p.m

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Link – Pacific Coastal Airlines SAAB 340A C-GPCJ (msn 006) YYC (Chris Sands). Image: 943491.

WestJet Link aircraft slide show:

WestJet is now connecting Vancouver and Cranbrook

WestJet’s regional air service, WestJet Link on October 27 celebrated the expansion of its services following its inaugural flight between the airline’s hub in Vancouver and Cranbrook, B.C.

Since its inception in June 2018, WestJet Link has operated more than 7,000 flights between WestJet’s home and largest hub in Calgary to Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat and Prince George. In just over a year more than 200,000 guests have benefited from more convenient travel and better connectivity onto WestJet’s larger network through WestJet Link.

WestJet Link is operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines using its fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft. Each aircraft includes six seats available in WestJet Premium, offering guests advanced boarding, no-charge for two checked bags and seating at the front of the aircraft.

This winter, WestJet will operate more than 75 daily departures from Vancouver International Airport to 29 destinations.

Details of WestJet Link’s service between Vancouver and Cranbrook:

Route	Frequency	Departing	Arriving	Effective
Cranbrook- Vancouver	Daily	11:45 a.m.	12:25 p.m.	October 27, 2019
Vancouver- Cranbrook	Daily	1:35 p.m.	4:05 p.m.	October 27, 2019

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Link – Pacific Coastal Airlines SAAB 340B C-GPCI (msn 407) YYC (Chris Sands). Image: 943493.

WestJet Link is now giving Cranbrook another hub option

WestJet today announced that its regional airline, WestJet Link, will begin operating nonstop flights between Vancouver and Cranbrook, B.C., on October 27, 2019.

With the addition of Vancouver-Cranbrook, WestJet Link will now operate six routes including Calgary to Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Prince George, Lloydminster and Medicine Hat.

All WestJet Link flights are operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal by using its fleet of 34-seat SAAB 340B aircraft. Each aircraft includes six seats available in WestJet Premium, offering guests advanced boarding, no-charge for two checked bags and seating at the front of the aircraft.

Details of WestJet Link’s service between Vancouver and Cranbrook:

Route	Frequency	Departing	Arriving	Effective
Vancouver- Cranbrook	Daily	11:45 a.m.	12:25 p.m.	October 27, 2019
Cranbrook- Vancouver	Daily	1:35 p.m.	4:05 p.m.	October 27, 2019

WestJet Link welcomes over 195,000 guests in its first year of service

WestJet’s newest air service, WestJet Link is celebrating carrying more than 195,000 guests in its first year of operation between Calgary and five cities in British Columbia and Alberta.

Since its inception last June, WestJet Link has operated over 7,000 flights between WestJet’s home and largest hub in Calgary to Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat and Prince George.

WestJet Link is operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines using its fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat SAAB 340B aircraft. Each aircraft includes six seats available in WestJet Premium, offering guests advanced boarding, no-charge for two checked bags and seating at the front of the aircraft.

WestJet continues to offer more flights than any other airline to more destinations from Calgary with an average of 975 flights per week to 67 non-stop destinations.

WestJet, Swoop and ALPA receive arbitrator’s award on first collective agreement for pilots

WestJet has stated it has received the award of the arbitrator, Mr. William Kaplan, in the interest arbitration between WestJet, Swoop and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

The arbitrator’s award, which is binding on all parties, follows mediated negotiations and formal arbitration hearings that have taken place since May 2018. The award sets the terms for the first collective agreement including all outstanding terms and conditions of employment for pilots at WestJet and Swoop.

“Today’s award provides WestJet the ability to grow, operate a sustainable business and to compete effectively in the current operating environment,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “The conclusion of this first agreement allows us to now turn our attention to the arrival of WestJet’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner and our transition to a global network carrier. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our pilots as we deliver on our global future.”

ALPA represents approximately 1,600 WestJet and Swoop pilots not including WestJet Encore. WestJet Encore pilots are represented by ALPA in a separate bargaining unit, which is currently engaged in collective bargaining with the company.

WestJet will meet with ALPA leadership in early January 2019 to review the terms of the award and work towards finalizing the collective agreement. Due to the scope and complexity of the work required, the airline will not provide further comment at this time. WestJet remains committed to working directly with the pilots’ representation. The details of the collective agreement will be communicated when finalized.

In other news, WestJet on December 21 set a new record for guests flown in a single day for the fourth time this year. The group, including WestJet, WestJet Encore, Swoop and WestJet Link flew 82,618 guests, surpassing the previous record of 80,219 guests set on August 7, 2018.

Pacific Coastal Airlines starts WestJet Link operations

WestJet made this announcement:

Today, June 20, 2018, WestJet inaugurated its new regional airline service, WestJet Link, from Cranbrook and Prince George to Calgary. Service starts from Lethbridge and Lloydminster to Calgary on June 21 and Medicine Hat to Calgary on June 22. Overall, WestJet Link connects five new cities to WestJet’s growing hub at the YYC Calgary International Airport.

These new routes add to WestJet’s existing leadership position in Calgary, offering more flights and seats to more destinations than any other airline with an average of 147 daily departures to 49 destinations.

All WestJet Link flights are operated by Pacific Coastal using its fleet of 34-seat SAAB 340B aircraft (below). Each aircraft includes six seats available in WestJet Plus, offering guests advanced boarding, no-charge for two checked bags and seating at the front of the aircraft.

Photo: Calgary International Airport.

WestJet Link routes and launch dates:

Route	Frequency	Effective
Calgary-Cranbrook	Three times daily Two times daily Saturday	June 20, 2018
Calgary-Prince George	Once daily	June 20, 2018
Calgary-Lethbridge	Three times daily Two times daily Saturday	June 21, 2018
Calgary-Lloydminster	Six times weekly (no Saturday service)	June 21, 2018
Calgary-Medicine Hat	Three times daily Two times daily Saturday	June 22, 2018

Pacific Coastal Airlines
A privately owned, British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR), Pacific Coastal is the third largest airline at YVR in annual takeoffs and landings. It flies to 15 airports and connects to more than 50 destinations in the province, from as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Prince George and Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii.

Photo: WestJet.