WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GPFT (msn 65427) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960809.
WestJet celebrated the takeoff of its highly anticipated service between Calgary and Keflavik serving the Reykjavik area.
WestJet Logo (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Photo credit: Reinhold Da Roza Photography (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
WestJet’s service to Reykjavik (Keflavik) will be propelled by its growing Boeing 737 MAX fleet, operating four times weekly through to October 13, 2024.
The WestJet Group inaugurates non-stop service between Calgary and Iceland. Photo credit: Kristin Grisdale (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Route
Frequency
Departure time (local)
Arrival time (local)
Calgary – Reykjavik (Keflavik)
4x weekly
7:55 p.m.
8:25 a.m.
Reykjavik (Keflavik) – Calgary
4x weekly
9:45 a.m.
10:43 a.m.
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GPFT (msn 65427) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960809.
The WestJet Group today announced significant enhancements to its transoceanic and leisure travel offering with its winter 787 schedule, revealing expanded year-round service between Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and an increase to daily connectivity between Calgary and Paris Charles-de-Gaulle International (CDG) and London Heathrow International (LHR) Airports. As The WestJet Group continues to fortify its position as Canada’s leisure travel champion, the airline is also enhancing its 787 presence on popular leisure routes with service between Canada, Mexico and Hawaii.
The WestJet Group boosts Calgary’s global connectivity through enhanced Winter 787 Schedule (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Year-round service to Tokyo, Unlocked
Building on the existing summer seasonal service, WestJet is investing in year-round service between Calgary and Tokyo. The service enhancement is a strategic milestone for the airline, bringing more visitors to Alberta and strengthening global tourism opportunities, while preserving Calgary’s position as the most connected mid-sized city in North America. Through WestJet’s longstanding codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines guests will also have access to seven destinations beyond Tokyo.
Route
Frequency
Start Date
Calgary-Tokyo
3x weekly
October 27, 2024
Strengthened year-round service to Europe
This winter, WestJet is bolstering its European winter service offering with daily connectivity to both London and Paris from the airline’s global hub in Calgary. While these routes were previously served throughout the winter, frequency to Paris has been increased to daily to match London, and to meet the unprecedented demand for business and leisure travel between Western Canada and Europe. Guests will also benefit from WestJet’s codeshare agreement with Air France, which unlocks 53 additional European destinations beyond Paris.
Route
Frequency
Start Date
Calgary-London
7x weekly
October 27, 2024
Calgary-Paris
7x weekly
October 27, 2024
Leading the nation in leisure, adding more access to Mexico
In line with The WestJet Group’s strategy, the airline is committed to providing Canadians with more affordable leisure travel options than any other carrier in the country. This winter, the airline is deploying its 787 aircraft on some of its most in-demand leisure routes, including doubling its capacity between Calgaryand Cancun to twice daily and increasing to daily service between Calgary and Puerto Vallarta. Additionally, the airline will continue to offer daily 787 service between Toronto and Cancun and three times weekly service between Calgary and Honolulu.
Route
Frequency
Start Date
Calgary-Cancun
13x weekly
October 28, 2024
Calgary-Puerto Vallarta
7x weekly
November 11, 2024
Calgary-Honolulu
3x weekly
November 16, 2024
Toronto-Cancun
7x weekly
October 28, 2024
About the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
As the largest aircraft in WestJet’s fleet, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner can fly intercontinental journeys, carrying up to 320 guests per flight, making it ideal for European, Asian and high-demand routes. It features a three-cabin configuration to serve a variety of guest needs, and spacious seats with entertainment systems at every seat for added comfort.
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GKKN (msn 64977) LGW (Robbie Shaw). Image: 956004.
WestJet and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the certified union representing WestJet load controllers, reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.
In other news, the company issued this statement on the Encore ratification results:
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet Encore pilots, has announced that its membership did not ratify the tentative agreement, reached on April 8, 2024. The results of the ratification do not impact operations.
“We are disappointed to learn that our WestJet Encore pilots have rejected an agreement that is distinctly competitive within Canada’s airline industry and solutioned their unique concerns,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “Our tentative agreement represented a robust negotiation process that got us to our final offer, and while we will meet with ALPA to determine next steps, we will hold firm on what is reasonable to ensure we can continue providing meaningful employment and affordable air travel to Canadians.”
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-GWJO (msn 33969) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963185.
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.
WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, today addressed key stakeholders and community members with a fulsome update on the airline’s growth strategy and vision for Atlantic Canada at a special event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Commemorating his first visit to Nova Scotia, von Hoensbroech spoke about the WestJet Group’s commitment to growing its presence across the region through critical air connectivity. With increased leisure opportunities, achieved through the resumption of transatlantic service and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter, along with enhanced east-to-west domestic air service better connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, the WestJet Group’s strategy is coming to fruition across Atlantic Canada.
“It is incredible to be visiting Halifax for the first time, meeting with our remarkable partners and getting to experience the tremendous Atlantic Canadahospitality firsthand,” said von Hoensbroech. “We set out our growth strategy almost two years ago, and we are seeing it well in action across Atlantic Canada; our commitment to Halifax is strong as we work to meet demand and fuel Halifax’s tourism pipeline.”
Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group’s milestone achievements in Halifax and current and upcoming network investments serving to enhance the city’s air connectivity, while bolstering the region’s visitor economy:
From left: Julie Shaw, Master Distiller, JD Shore, Jeff Chant, JD Shore, CEO, Halifax Distilling Company, Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority, Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, CEO and Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Propelling Halifax forward through partner collaboration and strategic investments
Taking the airline’s growth strategy to new heights in 2024 and beyond, the WestJet Group has accelerated on the following cornerstone achievements:
On April 28, 2024, the WestJet Group celebrated the takeoff of its inaugural service between Halifax and London Gatwick, the first of three critical transatlantic routes that will return to Nova Scotia’s capital this summer, bridging essential connections to global hubs, tourism and business economies.
This summer, Halifax will see a 31 per cent increase in seat capacity provided by the WestJet Group, compared to 2023.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport will have 90 weekly flights operated by the WestJet Group during peak summer this year; a 43 per cent increase in total weekly flights compared to 2023.
This map reflects WestJet Group capacity comprising WestJet and Sunwing Airlines service. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Connecting Halifax to the world and the world to Halifax
From enhanced domestic service, seamlessly connecting the region to Western Canada, to providing highly sought after leisure connections, WestJet continues to transform Halifax’s air connectivity through the following network enhancements:
Fulfilling longstanding requests to expand Halifax’s connectivity to popular leisure destinations, the WestJet Group has answered the call with non-stop service between Halifax and three transatlantic destinations including, Dublin, Edinburgh and London (Gatwick) this summer, as well as year-round connectivity to Orlando and seasonal service to Cancun. Additionally, as an integral part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing Airlines will provide direct access from Halifax to key leisure destinations, including Cayo Coco, Montego Bay, Santa Clara, Puerto Plata and Holguin, Punta Cana and Varadero.
WestJet will ensure Halifax remains connected to Western Canada, with year-round connectivity to the airline’s global hub in Calgary, where guests are one flight away from an expansive list of international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan.
This year, the WestJet Group will provide direct connectivity to 18 unique destinations out of Halifax, including six domestic, one transborder, three transatlantic and eight sun destinations.
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.
WestJet today has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. As a result of today’s lockout notice, a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. MT, unless a deal is reached.
“The decision to issue a lockout notice was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret and apologize for the uncertainty this causes for our guests and the communities and regions that rely on us. Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airline and Group Chief Operating Officer. “With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can’t allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue. We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution.”
The WestJet Group has been in active labour negotiations with AMFA since September 2023. The WestJet Group has presented an offer to AMFA that would make WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in Canada, with a cumulative wage increase of over 20 per cent across the span of the collective agreement. The offer would also deliver industry leading work-life balance standards and strong commitments to job security.
“We sincerely value the work and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and our proposed agreement reflects this. We are unwaveringly committed to reaching an agreement to prevent travel disruption, however, we are equally prepared to protect the travel plans of our guests and to provide long-term stability and security for all employees at the WestJet Group,” concluded Pen.
Issuing a 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption will occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible, including:
Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.
WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, concluded his inaugural visit to Atlantic Canada in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where he was joined by key stakeholders and community members to discuss the Group’s expanding presence across the region.
Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group’s renewed commitment to the region, as exhibited by network enhancements unfolding across the province’s key airports this summer, including; increased east-to-west domestic air service seamlessly connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, and enhanced leisure service, accomplished through the resumption of seasonal transatlantic service to London (Gatwick) and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter.
Photo: St. John’s International Airport
In his remarks, von Hoensbroech provided a comprehensive overview of the WestJet Group’s ongoing investments in Newfoundland and Labrador, demonstrating confidence in the airline’s future presence in supporting the region:
Transatlantic flights reconnecting Newfoundland and Labrador to the world
Elevating its growth strategy, the WestJet Group has reached significant milestones, bolstering the province’s network in 2024:
May 1, 2024, the WestJet Group restarted the highly anticipated service between St. John’s and London (Gatwick), providing the community with non-stop service to one of Europe’s most popular global travel hubs, filling the largest air access gap for the province.
This summer, St. John’s will gain a 35 per cent increase in seat capacity, as a result of the WestJet Group’s investments, compared to 2023.
The WestJet Group will operate 36 weekly flights out of St. John’s International Airport, during peak summer this year, a 20 per cent increase in total weekly flights, compared to 2023.
The WestJet Group will return service to Deer Lake this spring, with new non-stop seasonal service to Calgary on May 18, 2024 and the restart of service to Toronto on May 16, 2024.
The WestJet Group fulfills promise to satisfy demand through network schedule
The WestJet Group continues to elevate the province’s air connectivity by delivering the following network enhancements:
In alignment with the airline’s strategy, the WestJet Group is providing St. John’s with convenient access to popular leisure destinations, including year-round connectivity to Orlando, Florida and extended seasonal service to Tampa, Florida.
Ensuring St. John’s remains well-connected to Western Canada, the WestJet Group will provide St. John’s with year-round connectivity to WestJet’s global hub in Calgary, where guests are one flight away from an expansive list of international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan.
This year, the WestJet Group will provide direct connectivity to twelve unique destinations out of St. John’s, including four domestic destinations, two transborder destinations, five popular sun destinations, along with a transatlantic connection to London.
As an integral part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing will provide non-stop access to five key sun destinations, including Montego Bay, Cancun, Cayo Coco, Matanzas and Punta Cana from three critical communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, including, St. John’s, Deer Lake and Gander in 2024.
Routes from St. John’s:
This map represent The WestJet’s Group’s capacity comprising of WestJet and Sunwing Airlines service. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
WestJet on April 29 celebrated the takeoff of connectivity between Atlanta and Edmonton, following the departure of flight WS1902 at 00:45 MDT. The launch of the airline’s exclusive service marked a critical milestone in growing Edmonton’s direct transborder travel options to one of the world’s largest global hubs.
Route
Frequency
Start Date
Departure
Arrival
Edmonton-Atlanta
Daily
April 29
12:45 a.m.
7:06 a.m.
Atlanta-Edmonton
Daily
April 29
9:05 a.m.
11:50 a.m.
blue sky and white clouds
More seamless options for trade and tourism with access to Atlanta, Delta’s largest hub
The United States represents Alberta’s most important bilateral trade partner and the largest inbound tourism market for the province. Through WestJet’s longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Atlanta will gain access to a vast network of U.S. destinations on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits any time they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming in their preferred program.
WestJet on April 8 celebrated the latest additions to its Winnipeg network, featuring new year-round, daily service to Montreal, as well as increased, daily, year-round service to Ottawa, beginning June 3, 2024. WestJet also announced new highly anticipated seasonal service between Winnipeg and Nashville, set to take off on September 16, 2024, establishing the airline’s seventh direct transborder connection out of Manitoba’s capital city.
WestJet propels Winnipeg’s growth forward with new year-round, daily service to Montreal and Ottawa (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
WestJet’s ongoing commitment to significantly enhancing Winnipeg’s growing network of air connectivity, central to the airline’s ambitious growth strategy, was on display today at a special event hosted at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, attended by the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba and Nick Hays, President and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority.
Providing choice and convenience for Winnipeg’s thriving business community
“We know how critical Ottawa and Montreal are for Winnipeg’s business community, and we are thrilled to continue supporting Winnipeg’s economic growth through strategic air service,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “Expanding connectivity for Winnipeg is in direct response to our WestJet Rewards members and loyal business guests’ need for reliable and convenient, non-stop service to and from both Ottawa and Montreal.”
Route
Frequency
Start Date
Departure (local)
Arrival (local)
Winnipeg – Ottawa
Daily
June 3
17:15
20:50
Ottawa – Winnipeg
Daily
June 3
21:35
23:26
Winnipeg – Montreal
Daily
June 3
9:35
13:20
Montreal – Winnipeg
Daily
June 3
14:20
16:30
“There’s something exciting happening in Winnipeg and in Manitoba right now. People across the country are recognizing the opportunities we have here – from our incredible low-carbon economy, to our arts, culture, music and sports,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “The addition of these routes is a part of that – making it easier to drive economic growth and attract visitors to our beautiful province.”
Connecting Winnipeg and Music City
Further enhancing WestJet’s position as Canada’s leading leisure airline, WestJet will become the only airline providing direct connectivity between Winnipegand Nashville this fall.
Route
Frequency
Start Date
End Date
Departure
Arrival
Winnipeg – Nashville
2x weekly
September 16
November 15
11:10
14:20
Nashville – Winnipeg
2x weekly
September 16
November 15
7:40
10:25
“Strong air connectivity unlocks a world of opportunities for all those who live and work in Manitoba, allowing them to embark on bold journeys while growing their roots at home,” said Nick Hays, Winnipeg Airports Authority President & CEO. “We’re greatly appreciative of WestJet’s unwavering commitment to our community. Their continued growth at YWG and eagerness to work with us to launch new routes not only underscore the strength of our longstanding partnership but also exemplify our shared dedication to enhancing the region’s economic and social wellbeing.”
WestJet’s 2024 schedule provides expansive coverage across Canada and increased access to popular leisure destinations across North America
With the addition of Montreal and Nashville, WestJet will connect Winnipeg to over 23 non-stop destinations this year. Guests travelling from Winnipeg will also be one stop away from accessing WestJet’s growing list of global destinations, including Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo’sNarita International Airport through WestJet’s global hub in Calgary.
Route
Peak travel Frequency
Start Date
Domestic
Winnipeg – Calgary
Daily
In service
Winnipeg – Edmonton
Daily
In service
Winnipeg – Halifax
Daily
May 3
Winnipeg – Kelowna
2x weekly
June 24
Winnipeg – Montreal*
Daily
June 3
Winnipeg – Ottawa+
Daily
In service (transitioning to daily service on June 3)
Winnipeg – Regina
5x weekly
In service
Winnipeg – Saskatoon
Daily
In service
Winnipeg – Thunder Bay
Daily
In service
Winnipeg – Toronto
Daily
In service
Winnipeg – Vancouver
Daily
In service
Winnipeg – Victoria
2x weekly
June 25
Transborder
Winnipeg – Atlanta
5x weekly
In service
Winnipeg – Las Vegas
3x weekly
In service
Winnipeg – Los Angeles
3x weekly
In service
Winnipeg – Nashville*
2x weekly
September 16
Winnipeg – Orlando
4x weekly
Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Palm Springs
4x weekly
Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Phoenix
3x weekly
Seasonal winter route
Latin-Caribbean
Winnipeg – Cancun
5x weekly
Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Huatulco
1x weekly
Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Puerto Vallarta
6x weekly
Seasonal winter route
Winnipeg – Montego Bay
2x weekly
Seasonal winter route
*New route, + Increased frequency
In other news, WestJet’s summer schedule now includes Fredericton, New Brunswick!
Starting June 20, WestJet will provide direct service between the Celestial City and its global hub in Calgary
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