Tag Archives: WestJet

WestJet releases its annual Christmas Miracle video

WestJet today, released its annua Christmas Miracle video. This year’s spot introduces WestJet’s newest community investment program Miracle Miles, transforming ordinary flights with WestJet into an opportunity for guests to give back to their communities. The initiative grants anyone onboard select flights with $1 for every mile flown to give to an eligible charity or non-profit organization of their choice.

WestJet took to the skies to launch its first Miracle Miles trip on November 26, on flight WS551 from Winnipeg to Calgary. Onboard a total of 128 guests and six crew members travelled 677 nautical miles and collectively donated a total of $90,718 to Canadian charities of their choice.

WestJet guests surprised in-flight with opportunity to give back $1 for every mile flown to their favourite charities or non-profit organizations (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

As the holiday season continues, WestJet through its Miracle Miles program will continue to be present on select flights across Canada, as the airline donates over $150,000 to charities and non-profit organizations across Canada this December. These flights will be kept a surprise until cruising altitude, giving guests and WestJetters additional opportunities to give back.

WestJet announces new service to Japan and Europe from Calgary

WestJet, as part of its wider growth strategy, announced its 2023 summer Boeing 787 Dreamliner routes from YYC Calgary International Airport, unveiling Tokyo, Japan, as its first destination in Asia with new service to Narita International Airport. The airline is also creating greater two-way tourism opportunities and increasing connectivity between Western Canada and Europe with new service between Calgary and Barcelona, Spain and Edinburgh, Scotland along with increased frequencies on existing European routes. Today’s announcement comes as WestJet prepares for broader expansion within Canada and North America over the coming months.

Tokyo, Japan – Alberta’s Only Non-Stop Gateway to Asia

 

With its expansive modern architecture, traditional roots, established ties to Alberta’s tourism and business economies and connectivity to more than 50 destinations across the continent, Tokyo is a natural choice for WestJet’s first destination in Asia. With three-time weekly seasonal service beginning, April 30, 2023, WestJet will be the only airline providing transpacific service to Asia direct from Alberta.

Details of WestJet’s Service to Tokyo*

Route Start Date Frequency Departure Time Arrival Time
Calgary – Tokyo
Narita		 April 30, 2023 3x Weekly 18:55 20:00
Tokyo Narita –
Calgary		 May 1, 2023 3x Weekly 22:00 16:00
* Pending Government Approval
Strengthening Western Canada’s tourism pipeline between Alberta and Europe with more flights and non-stop access to Scotland and Spain

 

WestJet will bolster its European presence between Calgary and six transatlantic destinations this summer by adding increased frequency on existing popular European routes and welcoming new non-stop service to Edinburgh, Scotland and Barcelona, Spain.

WestJet’s service from Calgary to both Barcelona and Edinburgh will operate seasonally from May to October, up to three-times weekly. With the addition of its newest routes, WestJet will offer service to six European cities, increasing capacity by 95 per cent with flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick, Paris, Rome and Dublin.

Details of WestJet’s Summer 787 Service to Europe

Route Start Date Peak Frequency
Calgary – Barcelona* May 6, 2023 3x Weekly
Calgary – Edinburgh* May 17, 2023 3x Weekly
Calgary – London Heathrow Continued from Winter 7x Weekly
Calgary – London Gatwick April 30, 2023 7x Weekly
Calgary – Paris Continued from Winter 7x Weekly
Calgary – Rome April 6, 2023 5x Weekly
Calgary – Dublin April 30, 2023 5x Weekly
*New Route from YYC

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GUDH (msn 64974) LGW (Richard Vandervord). Image: 959059.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet Cargo now expects to launch cargo operations on March 26, 2023

WestJet Cargo has four newly-converted Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters sitting idle on the ramp at its Calgary base.

The airline and Boeing are awaiting certification of the conversion in Canada from Transport Canada.

The airline was previously hopeful of launching the freighters this past summer.

The airline is now targeting March 26, 2023 as the new launch date of freighter operations.

WestJet expands its codeshare agreement with JAL

WestJet has announced an enhancement to its codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines, enabling the airline’s “WS” code on Japan Airlines (JAL) operated flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Japan.

This new development expands the long-standing codeshare agreement between WestJet and Japan airlines which has been in place since 2011.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GUDH (msn 64974) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 959378.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet investing in the future of sustainable aviation fuel in Canada

WestJet has announced a three-month commitment to operating all flights, from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Calgary International Airport (YYC) with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced by Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable fuels. The SAF Destination program, a first of its kind in Canada, underpins WestJet’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization.

Joined by stakeholders from across Alberta and Calgary, including Holly Waeger Monster, U.S. Consul General, George Chahal, Member of Parliament, Calgary Skyview, Alberta, Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas for the Government of Alberta, Alberta, and Lana van Marter, Manager of Renewable Aviation, Neste. WestJet used the announcement to collaborate with key industry and government partners on the benefits of sustainable aviation fuel and the need for a Canadian production program.

As the first Canadian airline to significantly invest in SAF, WestJet purchased Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to fly 40 flights over three months from San Francisco to Calgary. WestJet’s immediate investment in SAF over the next three months will directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions on these routes by 186 tons, with the equivalent of more than 1550 out of 5300 guests onboard taking a carbon neutral flight enroute to Calgary.

WestJet is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. While widespread access to SAF is currently constrained by limited production and high costs, the airline’s newest SAF operated route demonstrates WestJet’s strong dedication to being a leader in advocating for this environmental solution that secures a future where SAF is the standard across the airline industry.

Angela Avery, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

WestJet’s fleet leading the groundwork for sustainability

 

The WestJet Group’s fleet has an average age under 10 years and is among the youngest of established North American carriers. Strengthened by WestJet’s recent announcement with Boeing to purchase an additional 42 737-10 aircraft plus 22 options, the airline continues to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to expanding responsibly.

WestJet and Aero Design Labs set out to increase fuel efficiency of Boeing 737-700 Aircraft

 

Earlier this year, WestJet announced a new partnership with Aero Design Labs to modify the airline’s 737-700 NG aircraft for greater reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. As the largest 737NG operator in Canada, it’s anticipated that the modifications will reduce overall fuel burn through drag reduction and lead to long-term cost savings and reduced carbon emissions on the 737-700 aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-FWSV (msn 32760) YYC (Ken Petersen). Image: 939572.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet launches Winnipeg – Los Angeles service

WestJet on October 31 celebrated the highly anticipated inaugural flight between Winnipeg and Los Angeles. The departure of flight WS1315 at 7:00 a.m. local marked a major milestone for Manitoba’s tourism, trade and business sectors as Winnipeg gains a seamless four-hour link to the globally renowned film and entertainment mecca.


Photo Credit: Winnipeg Airports Authority (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

 

The departure of WS1315 marks the first of three weekly WestJet flights that travel between Winnipeg and Los Angeles on a year-round basis.

Route Start Date Frequency Departure Arrival
Winnipeg – Los Angeles October 31, 2022 3x Weekly (Monday,
Friday, Saturday)		 7:00 am 8:50 am
Los Angeles – Winnipeg October 31, 2022 3x Weekly (Monday,
Friday, Saturday)		 9:35 am 3:07 pm

This winter, WestJet will solidify its position as the leading airline in Winnipeg providing more non-stop routes than any other carrier. Further, the WestJet Group will increase capacity to and from Winnipeg by 80 per cent in comparison to 2021, serving 22 nonstop, direct routes and producing the largest year-over-year growth of any major airport in the group’s network.

Delta codeshare partnership

Guests travelling beyond Los Angeles will have access to a broad network and benefits through WestJet’s strong relationship with Delta Air Lines. This includes codeshare flights to 20 major U.S. cities, the ability to earn and redeem WestJet Rewards on both airlines, top tier frequent flyer benefits through the entire journey, and access to Delta’s LAX SkyClub lounge for eligible guests.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GZSG (msn 60516) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 959265.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet to place its WS code on KLM flights

WestJet has initiated the placement of its “WS” codeshare on KLM-operated flights as part of its long-standing codeshare relationship with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Through the codeshare, guests will have convenient access via Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) to and from 20 cities including Vienna, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Athens, Milan, Lisbon, Glasgow, and Manchester across 12 European countries.

Combined with the restart of WestJet’s nonstop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary on November 14, 2022, the resumption of the codesharing on KLM operated flights will give guests greater access between Canadian and European points for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Amsterdam:

Route Frequency Start Date Departure

Time
(local time)

 Arrival Time
(local time)
Calgary – Amsterdam 3x Weekly November 14, 2022 20:10 12:40
Amsterdam – Calgary 3x Weekly November 15, 2022 14:40 15:39

Details of “WS” codeshare on KLM-operated flights:

 

Country

 

 City Airport

Code

Austria Vienna VIE
Belgium Brussels BRU
Denmark Copenhagen CPH
France Toulouse TLS
Lyon LYS
Germany Frankfurt FRA
Munich MUC
Berlin BER
Hanover HAJ
Greece Athens ATH
Italy Milan MXP
Venice VCE
Portugal Lisbon LIS
Scotland Glasgow GLA
Edinburgh EDI
Spain Madrid MAD
Switzerland Geneva GVA
UK Manchester MAN
Heathrow LHR
London LCY

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GUDO (msn 64976) LGW (Robbie Shaw). Image: 959060.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

 

WestJet to offer WestJet Encore service between Terrace, B.C., and Calgary

WestJet has announced that it will add four-times weekly service between Terrace, B.C., and Calgary, beginning December 1, 2022.

Creating a gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities, WestJet Encore’s service to Terrace, will provide a convenient connection to WestJet’s home and largest global hub in Calgary where the airline will operate more than 800 flights per week, to more than 65 destinations around the world, in December.

The route will operate four times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, on WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Terrace:

Route Frequency Start date
Calgary – Terrace 4x weekly Thursday, December 1, 2022
Terrace – Calgary 4x weekly Thursday, December 1, 2022

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Encore Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-FNEN (msn 4453) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 959173.

WestJet Encore aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet and Korean Air enhance codeshare agreement with addition of WestJet codeshare on flights to Seoul

WestJet and Korean Air have expanded their long-standing codeshare agreement with the placement of WestJet’s codeshare on Korean’s flights between both Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Vancouver International (YVR) in Canada and Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea.

This is WestJet’s first reciprocal codeshare with an Asian partner.

With WestJet’s “WS” code now active for sale on Korean’s flights to Seoul, guests have more opportunities than ever before to combine WestJet and Korean flights to meet their trans-Pacific travel needs.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GURP (msn 64975) LGR (Robbie Shaw). Image: 959061.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta sets foundation for future of aviation growth across province with new partnership

WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership, focused on significantly advancing aviation across the province in support of a stronger economy and a long-lasting, sustainable future for Alberta’s aviation sector. As the airline furthers its growth strategy, WestJet will invest aircraft capacity, with an asset value in excess of seven billion dollars, in Calgary alone, through significant fleet commitments to be based within the province.

WestJet will designate YYC Calgary International Airport as its single global connecting hub and will concentrate all intercontinental 787 Dreamliner flying in Calgary, unlocking opportunity for new routes within North America, to Europe, with the potential to reach Asia. Alongside the 787s, WestJet will grow its mid-range fleet and strengthen its North American offerings, with its commitment to double capacity in Calgary before the end of the decade.

In addition to Calgary, WestJet plans to grow its network across other Canadian communities, strengthening its footprint in the east and in leisure travel across the entire country, consistent with its strategic plan released in June 2022 and its recent purchase announcement of 42 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft.

The agreement between the airline and the Government of Alberta will see the government invest in developing Alberta’s aviation sector. It further lays out strategic, collaborative priorities to ensure provincial policies are aligned and in support of the development of the entire aviation industry in Alberta. The Government of Alberta and the WestJet Group will seek opportunities to address the overall cost-competitiveness challenges for the sector.

Partnership highlights:

Affordability

  • Provide Travel Alberta with additional funding in support of travel and tourism efforts
  • Work to address the challenges associated with high aviation fuel prices for air passengers and industry
  • Advance Alberta’s status as a global aviation hub by enabling more to and from flights and more connecting passengers

People

  • Improve access to pilot training with investment and expansion of the Mount Royal University pilot training program
  • Collaboration to ensure pilots are trained in Alberta with the appropriate technology and partnerships
  • Potential development of advanced commercial aviation training programs for aviation-related specialties, including a potential degree program
  • Funding of an annual hiring training grant to ensure support for training and other associated costs

Sustainability

  • Commitment to the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity at scale in Alberta as central to economic diversification and reducing carbon emissions from aviation
  • Commitment to assist WestJet in improving its own technology and software in support of a low-carbon future

Infrastructure

  • Government of Alberta and the WestJet Group to seek opportunities to enable growth through strategic public and private investments that support aerospace and aviation sector needs

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GMKS (msn 64979) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 955664.

WestJet Airlines aircraft slide show: