WestJet responded:

The WestJet Group today welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Omar Alghabra regarding mandatory vaccinations for federally regulated airline employees.

“We continue to be a strong partner in Canada’s vaccination rollout and are working diligently to implement the government’s policy on mandatory vaccines for airline employees,” said Mark Porter, WestJet Executive Vice-President, People and Culture. “Vaccinations are the most effective way to ensure the safety of our guests and employees, while curbing the spread of COVID-19.”

“We understand our people will have questions and will be discussing with our employee and labour groups in real-time,” continued Mr. Porter. “We are seeking additional detail from the federal government on the requirement and are committed to working together to ensure the successful implementation of the policy by late October.”

WestJet currently has an active workforce of approximately 6,000 WestJetters, while 4000 remain inactive or furloughed. Swoop currently has an active workforce of 340 employees, while more than 170 remain inactive or furloughed.

The WestJet Group will adhere to the requirement for domestic travellers to be fully-vaccinated or tested prior to departure. The airline group is advocating that rapid-antigen testing is an acceptable, accessible and affordable alternative for unvaccinated travellers.

WestJet on July 29 celebrated the launch of its new route between Calgary and Charlottetown with the departure and arrival of flight 630 and flight 631 between the communities. The new non-stop flights directly link Western Canada to Prince Edward Island for the first time and marks a positive sign for both region’s travel and tourism markets.

Upon flight 630’s arrival in Charlottetown, guests visiting from Calgary were greeted by Charlottetown Mayor Phillip Brown.

WestJet’s first non-stop flight from YYC to YYG is greeted with inaugural event upon landing in Charlottetown (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

“The City of Charlottetown is thrilled about the announcement of the new direct flight from Calgary,” said Mayor Brown. “We are truly excited for this opportunity for more Canadians to experience everything our beautiful city has to offer. Thank you, WestJet, for your continued efforts to connect Canadians from coast to coast.”

“We are delighted to welcome WestJet’s new non-stop service from Calgary, connecting Western Canada with Prince Edward Island for the first time,” said Doug Newson, CEO, YYG Charlottetown Airport. “As Canadians start exploring our country once again, this service will provide a convenient option for Islanders now calling Alberta home and for new tourists wanting to explore our beautiful Island.”

WestJet’s new twice-weekly, non-stop service between Charlottetown and Calgary operates on Thursdays and Sunday. The service was previously set to begin in June 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic.

Since 2005, WestJet has been a key part of the fabric of Prince Edward Island’s visitor economy and remains committed to investing in the recovery of Atlantic Canada from the COVID-19 crisis.

WestJet’s Charlottetown to Calgary service details

Route	Peak Frequency	Departure	Arrival
Calgary – Charlottetown	2x weekly (Thursday/Saturday)	9:30 a.m.	5:05 p.m.
Charlottetown – Calgary	2x weekly (Thursday/Saturday)	5:50 p.m.	8:08 p.m.

*All times are local

WestJet today announced the evolution of its long-standing codeshare relationship with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines through the placement of its “WS” codeshare on KLM-operated flights.  Through the expanded codeshare agreement, guests will now have convenient access via Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) to 18 cities across Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The enhanced partnership builds on the airline’s new non-stop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary and provides greater access between Canada and European points for travelers on both sides of the Atlantic.

WestJet’s inaugural service between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) is set to depart on August 5, 2021. The airline’s new service will operate two-times weekly beginning August 5, 2021 and will increase to three-times weekly as of September 9.  All AMS flights will be on WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner, featuring WestJet’s Business Cabin including lie-flat pods, dining on demand and WestJet’s award-winning caring service.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Amsterdam:

Details of WestJet’s codeshare with KLM via AMS:

*Pending regulatory approval

WestJet today announced that it is expanding its international network to include one of the world’s most connected cities, Amsterdam, Netherlands. As the airline with the most flights from Calgary, the new service from WestJet’s hub will operate on the 787 Dreamliner, starting August 5, 2021.

WestJet’s service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) will operate two-times weekly beginning August 5, 2021 and will increase to three-times weekly as of September 9.

The route will be operated on WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s lie-flat seats available in the business cabin along with on-demand dining and entertainment. The new service is timed to ensure that transatlantic flights departing from Calgary to Amsterdam are scheduled to support late-day departures and daytime arrivals. Convenient connections are available via Amsterdam to dozens of world-class destinations, including Athens, Berlin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Vienna, Venice and more.

787 service to London, Gatwick returns in July

As of July, WestJet will be operating to London, Gatwick (LGW) from Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Service from Calgary will operate two-times weekly, while flights from Toronto will depart three-times weekly.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Amsterdam:

Details of WestJet’s service to London, Gatwick:

WestJet today announced significant growth to its Hawaii network, featuring more Dreamliner flight options from Western Canada to Maui and new non-stop service from Calgary to Kona and Lihue this winter. With 57 weekly roundtrip flights on 10 nonstop routes, WestJet offers more service between Canada and Hawaii than any other airline.

“With easing travel restrictions, we know our guests are planning to turn their long-awaited Hawaiian getaway dreams into a well-deserved reality.” said John Weatherill, WestJet, Chief Commercial Officer. “We’ve increased our winter service to Hawaii by more than 25 per cent from 2019 to ensure our guests have increased flexibility and the most affordable, non-stop options from Western Canada.”

New service from Calgary to Kona and Lihue

WestJet is adding new weekly nonstop service from Calgary (YYC) to Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH) beginning in December. With the addition of the new service, WestJet will offer service to four Hawaiian destinations non-stop from Calgary and two from Edmonton.

“Our guests will love to say aloha to the additional direct flights to tropical Hawaii,” said Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. “We’re ready to welcome guests back safely to the home and hub of WestJet and we look forward to the added sunny winter options for Albertans and connecting passengers from out of province.”

More 787 Dreamliner options

Starting this winter, WestJet will add 787 Dreamliner service from Calgary and Vancouver to Kahului, Maui (OGG) with 13 weekly flights. WestJet’s 787 service to Maui from Western Canada is conveniently scheduled with daytime departures to ensure guests arrive in Maui in the early afternoon, with time to make the most out of their plans. The airline’s signature Dreamliner service features lie-flat seats with on-demand dining and entertainment.

“Like the Kolea bird, many Canadians return each year to the Hawaiian Islands during the winter months,” said David Y. Ige, Governor, Hawaii. “They respect the people, place and culture, and we welcome them back. Increased international passengers can help us better balance the needs of our residents and visitors. Mahalo to WestJet for partnering with the state to keep residents and visitors alike safe and healthy.”

“We are very happy with the launch of WestJet’s additional routes to Hawai’i,” said  Lorenzo Campos, Account Director for Hawai’i Tourism Canada. “We would like to thank WestJet for being our trusted partner and for their continuous support of The Hawaiian Island and sharing the aloha spirit and always embracing the Hawaiian value of malama. We are looking forward to welcoming our Canadian family back this winter.”

Current Hawaii entrance requirements can be found at https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.

Earlier this week, WestJet launched its Travel Ready Series aimed to welcome guests back to travel. Travel Ready was created to ensure guests are equipped and prepared with the information they need to enjoy a smooth and safe return to the skies.

WestJet route and schedule frequency

*New routes added to WestJet’s winter schedule serving Hawaii.

**Service currently operating in WestJet’s summer schedule.