New year-round service between Regina and Minneapolis to launch next year....

The Canadian airline WestJet will introduce a new year-round, daily service connecting Regina and Minneapolis, as part of the airline's 2024 summer schedule.

 The news reaffirms the airline's ongoing commitment to providing connectivity to the province and further enhances Regina's air access to popular destinations. The route is Regina's first year-round transborder service since 2016 and marks the province's second direct route to the Midwest United States, following the launch of WestJet's year-round service between Saskatoon and Minneapolis, launched in June earlier this year.

"We are thrilled to answer the call of the community and further our commitment to Regina and the surrounding area by bringing vital year-round transborder connectivity with service to Minneapolis, beginning this summer," says Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director of Alliances & Airport Affairs. "Our newest investment in Regina will further support the economic growth of the region and unlock business and leisure travel opportunities, as we accelerate providing affordable travel to our guests."

Details of WestJet's summer service between Regina and Minneapolis

Route	Frequency	Service start date	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
Regina - Minneapolis	Daily	April 28	8:15 a.m.	11:16 a.m.
Minneapolis - Regina	Daily	April 28	1:15 p.m.	2:36 p.m.

Guests travelling beyond Minneapolis will have access to a broad network and benefits through WestJet's relationship with Delta Air Lines. This includes codeshare flights to over 70 connecting destinations, now accessible with only one stop from Regina; the ability to earn and redeem WestJet Rewards on both airlines; and top tier frequent flyer benefits through the entire journey.

WestJet guests have access to Delta's broad network 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.

WestJet confirms summer services between Halifax and Dublin, Edinburgh and London will return next year.

The Canadian airline WestJet has confirmed it will restart seasonal services between  Halifax and Dublin, Edinburgh and London next year.

WestJet Vice-President External Affairs, Andrew Gibbons said:  "In service of our valued relationship with the province, airport, partners and guests, we are thrilled to resume service between Halifax and Europe, strengthening the region's critical connections to global hubs, tourism and business economies. The celebration reaffirms our commitment to the city of Halifax and surrounding region, bringing to life our promise of bolstering leisure travel options in Atlantic Canada and further connecting our guests with the people and places they love most."

WestJet Route	Frequency	Start Date	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
Halifax – London (Gatwick)	4x/week	April 28	11:00 p.m.	9:04 a.m.
London (Gatwick) - Halifax	4x/week	April 29	11:00 a.m.	1:46 p.m.
Halifax – Dublin	4x/week	June 19	10:30 p.m.	7:55 a.m.
Dublin – Halifax	4x/week	June 20	9:30 a.m.	11:32 a.m.
Halifax – Edinburgh*	3x/week	June 20	10:40 p.m.	8:04 a.m.
Edinburgh – Halifax*	3x/week	June 21	9:30 a.m.	11:38 a.m.

*New route not previously operated 

"WestJet has connected Halifax Stanfield and key European destinations for several years, and we're thrilled they plan to offer three non-stop transatlantic routes again next summer," said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. "Dublin and London Gatwick were popular routes in the past, both for Atlantic Canadians and Europeans, and we're delighted to add Edinburgh to our route map in 2024."

"We are thrilled to see the return of WestJet's non-stop flights to these key destinations. Europe is an important market for Nova Scotia, and direct flights play a key role in leveraging these markets as people want to spend less time in transit and more time at their destination. The return of these routes help connect us to the global marketplace, bring new investment, support tourism growth and promote our province as a great place to visit, live and invest," said Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development.

"We are delighted West Jet is renewing its commitment to Halifax and the Martimes by adding new direct flights across the pond, a valued travel destination for so many, with the promise of a boon for tourism in our region. Kudos to Joyce Carter and her team for the exceptional work to increase air access to and from Halifax Stanfield International Airport," said Mayor Mike Savage.

WestJet restarting St John's - London Gatwick seasonal route

WestJet to restart transatlantic service between St. John's and London with a seasonal operation to London's Gatwick Airport.  The flights will operate three times weekly between May and October, creating new opportunities for St. John's business, leisure, cargo and tourism economies to thrive. 

"In service of our valued Atlantic communities, partners and guests, the WestJet Group is proud to close the critical gap in air accessibility for the province by providing non-stop connectivity to one of Europe's most popular travel hubs," said WestJet Vice-President External Affairs, Andrew Gibbons. "Today's announcement reaffirms our commitment to the city of St. John's and the surrounding region, as we deliver on our promise to bolster leisure travel and two-way tourism options in Eastern Canada."

London's calling and we're on our way! We have worked hard to re-establish a direct connection to Europe, and Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the wide-reaching benefits – from our highly lucrative tourism industry to our business and trade markets. I extend my appreciation to WestJet for seeing the potential that exists in our province and the St. John's International Airport Authority for its dedicated air service development efforts. I look forward to seeing this route succeed," said The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Re-establishing non-stop transatlantic service from St. John's has been a strategic priority for the St. John's International Airport Authority," said Dennis Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, St. John's International Airport Authority. "This St. John's to London-Gatwick route marks a significant air access milestone and demonstrates our commitment to providing passengers with convenient access to key destinations. We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with WestJet, and sincerely appreciate the commitment to address opportunities within our market."

WestJet Route	Frequency	Start Date	End Date	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
St. John's – London (Gatwick)	3x weekly	May 1, 2024	October 25, 2024	12:15 a.m.	9:00 a.m.
London (Gatwick) – St.  John's	3x weekly	May 1, 2024	October 25, 2024	11:00 a.m.	1:15 p.m.

 

WestJet powers intercontinental expansion

Leading Canadian airline, WestJet has announced an expansion of its European summer 2024 network. Propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, the airline reintroduced sought-after service connecting Eastern Canada and Europe and introduced new service from Calgary to Reykjavik (Keflavik). As WestJet continues to strengthen its presence in Western Canada, the airline is also enhancing its 787 Dreamliner hub, increasing frequencies for international routes and adding daily exclusive service to Japan.

"Today's announcement underscores our commitment to affordably connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast to some of the world's most popular destinations," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "As we continue to expand upon our growth story, we are not only providing increased accessibility to Canadians but fostering crucial connectivity between communities and driving economic growth through inbound leisure and business travel."

Western Canada's gateway to Iceland, unlocked

With four-times weekly service, beginning May 15, 2023, WestJet will be the only airline providing direct connectivity to Iceland from Calgary.

"In consultation with local partners, we agreed to announce our intention to begin service to Keflavik in May; we will continue to closely monitor volcanic activity in the region and follow the recommendations of local authorities," continued Weatherill.

Route	Service start date	Peak frequency	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
Halifax – Dublin	June 19	4x weekly	10:30 p.m.	7:55 a.m.
Dublin – Halifax	June 20	4x weekly	9:30 a.m.	11:32 a.m.
Halifax – Edinburgh*	June 20	3x weekly	10:40 p.m.	8:04 a.m.
Edinburgh – Halifax*	June 21	3x weekly	9:30 a.m.	11:38 a.m.
Halifax – London (Gatwick)	April 28	4x weekly	11:00 p.m.	9:04 a.m.
London (Gatwick) - Halifax	April 29	4x weekly	11:00 a.m.	1:46 p.m.
Toronto - Dublin	March 1	Daily	9:45 p.m.	9:39 a.m.
Dublin - Toronto	March 2	Daily	11:00 a.m.	1:54 p.m.
Toronto – Edinburgh	May 14	Daily	10:15 p.m.	10:05 a.m.
Edinburgh - Toronto	May 15	Daily	11:25 a.m.	1:59 p.m.
St. John's – London (Gatwick)	May 1	3x weekly	12:15 a.m.	9:00 a.m.
London (Gatwick) - St. John's	May 1	3x weekly	11:00 a.m.	1:15 p.m.

*New route not previously operated

 

Increased intercontinental frequencies bolster Calgary's position as a convenient two-way tourism gateway for Western Canada.

WestJet enhances Western Canada's transborder connectivity through summer schedule

WestJet enhances Western Canada's transborder connectivity through summer schedule

Significant expansion to provide improved connections to major U.S. cities from Edmonton and Vancouver.

WestJet has announced four new routes as part of the airline's summer schedule, unveiling significant opportunities for Western Canadians and Americans to explore both sides of the border this summer. Offering a comprehensive network of connectivity between two major Western Canadian cities and the United States, WestJet's summer schedule will feature new routes between Edmonton and Atlanta, Nashville and San Francisco, along with new service connecting Vancouver and Detroit. 

"We are thrilled to be expanding transborder connectivity from Edmonton and Vancouver, providing Western Canadians with an abundance of opportunity to fulfill their diverse travel needs," shared John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Strong connections fostered between Canada and the United States are essential to WestJet's growth plan and to the communities we serve as we significantly bolster options for leisure guests, business travel and cargo services."

With strengthened direct connectivity, WestJet will increase its transborder service in Western Canada with up to daily frequency during peak travel periods between Edmonton and Atlanta and Vancouver and Detroit. Service between Edmonton and San Francisco and Nashville, and Vancouver and Detroit will operate on a seasonal basis, while service between Edmonton and Atlanta will provide year-round connectivity for guests.

Route	Frequency	Service start date	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
Edmonton - San Francisco	5x weekly	June 20	11:30 a.m	1:32 p.m
San Francisco - Edmonton	5x weekly	June 20	2:25 p.m	6:25 p.m
Edmonton - Nashville	2x weekly	May 2	9:35 a.m	2:24 p.m
Nashville - Edmonton	2x weekly	May 2	3:15 p.m	6:29 p.m
Edmonton – Atlanta*	Daily	April 29	12:45 am	7:06 a.m
Atlanta – Edmonton*	Daily	April 29	9:05 a.m	11:50 a.m
Vancouver – Detroit	Daily	April 28	11:35 p.m	7:01 a.m
Detroit – Vancouver	Daily	April 28	9:00 a.m	10:55 a.m

*Year-round connectivity Expanded U.S. network increases access to Delta hubs Through its longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Atlanta and Detroit are accessing two of the U.S. airline's major hubs. Through WestJet's codeshare partnerships, guests flying through Detroit, will gain access to more than 70 transborder destinations through a seamless connection, including New York, Washington D.C., Boston, and more, while guests connecting through Atlanta, will find options to connect to more than 100 U.S. destinations from the world's busiest airport. Building on WestJet's current service to Delta hubs, WestJet guests have access to Delta's expansive U.S. network 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 to introduce more flights from Edmonton's to the U.S.

Canadian carrier WestJet has unveiled new non-stop service between Edmonton International Airport and Atlanta, Nashville and San Francisco for summer of 2024. The announcement builds on the momentum from summer 2023, when WestJet announced new service to Minneapolis and Seattle, along with strengthened domestic connectivity from Alberta's capital, which will be sustained through 2024.

"It is a privilege to be back in my hometown, as we celebrate the next chapter in our prioritization of Edmonton through our market-leading investments that promise to generate meaningful tourism and business opportunities through strategic air connectivity," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer. "We are proud to be the undisputed, leading carrier within the province that WestJet has called home for more than 27 years. We are confident that these three new transborder connections will be popular amongst Edmonton residents while propelling the city's visitor economy to new heights."

In celebration of its expanding transborder investments, WestJet, in partnership with Edmonton International Airport, was joined by valued partners from across the region at a special event held at Edmonton Unlimited earlier today.  

"Working with our partners to offer more flights to more places is both our purpose and our promise. WestJet's new non-stop service to Atlanta offers a brand-new destination for the Edmonton Region. Together with the additions of other North American destinations and frequencies, these routes will continue to allow our business sector and visitor economy to grow, while showcasing the incredible opportunities in the Edmonton Region. We are thrilled Edmonton Region passengers will be able to grow their businesses and find new adventures both in Atlanta and in the hundreds of connecting destinations worldwide," said Myron Keehn, Edmonton International Airport (YEG), President & CEO.

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With year-round connectivity to Atlanta, Edmonton residents are one flight away from accessing the world's busiest airport and renowned mega-global hub, which hosts over 1,000 flights per day to over 200 international and domestic destinations.

The WestJet Group marks successful integration of ultra-low-cost airline Swoop

Over the weekend, the WestJet Group completed the integration of its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), Swoop, into WestJet's existing 737 operations. With the integration now complete, WestJet will leverage the successes and learnings from five years of operating Canada's first ULCC across its growing airline to enhance its ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests. Instead of serving the ultra-low-cost market on only 16 aircraft, the airline's 180 strong fleet will transition to offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience on each of its aircraft.

"As the first ULCC to enter the Canadian market, in 2018 Swoop pioneered the no-frills product in Canada and was best-in-class in generating ancillary revenues," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. "By keeping costs low, Swoop was able to offer the most competitive fares and appeal to Canadian travellers of all demographics. As we conclude this integration, we will learn from Swoop's successes to best serve our guests with diversified product offerings that meet a variety of needs."

After five years of operating a true ULCC in Canada, WestJet's experience is crucial for its low-cost strategic approach. With the largest narrow-body order book in the country, the airline is set to utilize Swoop's ultra-low-cost product, offering low fares and a range of affordable vacation packages across its narrow body fleet. WestJet's plan includes densifying the rear section of its 737 aircraft, while retaining a premium cabin up front, enabling them to provide a spectrum of in-flight offerings, from ultra-low-cost to premium, on every plane in its fleet.

"We want to commend all current and former Swoop employees on a job well done. Thank you for your hard work, commitment and passion that made Swoop possible," concluded von Hoensbroech.  

WestJet underscores commitment to affordable air travel for Canadians during visit to Toronto

WestJet CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech visited Toronto this week to address key stakeholders and community members at the Toronto Region Board of Trade. In his address, von Hoensbroech shed light on the airline's recent accomplishments and shared insights into its strategic outlook and plans to drive the Group's growth strategy as Canada's leading low-cost airline.

After a challenging three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WestJet Group has surpassed its pre-pandemic capacity levels and returned to profitability, setting the airline up for success as it continues its strategy and grows its offering for Canadians.

"With our country's long flight distances across its vast geographic landscape, Canadians from coast-to-coast deserve access to air travel that is affordable and reliable," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. "For 27 years, we have been committed to affordable air travel and today, we are seeing this furthered through the benefits of our growth plan in action as we enhance domestic connectivity from Western to Eastern Canada and provide Canadians from British Columbia to Newfoundland with increased affordable leisure and vacation options."

In his remarks, von Hoensbroech noted significant advancements and achievements that have propelled the airline and its growth plan forward:

Serving Canadians coast to coast

In an industry marked by fierce new levels of competition, WestJet is poised to lead with its ambitious growth plan and commitment to providing low-cost travel options for Canadians from coast to coast. Cementing its position as the country's leading leisure airline, this winter alone, the WestJet Group, inclusive of WestJet and Sunwing Airlines, will provide more seats than any other Canadian airline across 230 nonstop routes from 26 Canadian communities to 55 popular sun destinations in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Furthering the WestJet Group's strategy of providing affordable, year-round leisure travel for Canadians is its newly formed vacations division, Sunwing Vacations Group, which encompasses both Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations and forms the largest Canadian tour operator.

WestJet renews commitment to Regina region....

Canada's Queen City continues to be a critical market for the WestJet Group with strong investment and improvements to air access

WestJet Chief Executive Officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech visited Regina this week to look ahead to an anticipated busy winter travel season and celebrate the WestJet Group's strong summer performance. Joined by Regina Airport Authority CEO, James Bogusz and Mayor Sandra Masters, today's executive visit focused on engaging with local partners and community stakeholders to discuss WestJet's longstanding investments in the region and the exciting future ahead.

"Hearing what matters most from Regina-based business leaders, local partners and government stakeholders is a vital aspect of our ambitious growth strategy and ensures that the WestJet Group continues to meet the demands of the community and supports tourism to the area for years to come," shared Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. "By working collectively, we can ensure that the residents of Regina, and surrounding areas, continue to benefit from affordable air travel and enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across WestJet's growing network."