WestJet adds non-stop connectivity between Winnipeg and Ottawa this winter

WestJet celebrates winter extension along with the inauguration of service between Winnipeg and Atlanta

WestJet announced a highly anticipated addition to its previously announced winter schedule, with an extension of direct service between Winnipeg and Ottawa. Previously set to temporarily pause on October 29, 2023, WestJet will be the exclusive carrier providing essential service on the popular route, offering four weekly connections between Manitoba and Canada's capital cities. WestJet's service between Ottawa and Winnipeg will resume December 18, 2023, and operate throughout the duration of its winter schedule.

"The extension of this route is a further demonstration of our market leadership and commitment to both Winnipeg and Ottawa. This is a key route for business, government and leisure travellers and is a demonstration of our growth plan in action as we continue to build meaningful connections, creating new business and tourism opportunities in the communities we serve," said Daniel Fajardo, WestJet, Vice-President, Network and Schedule Planning.

Route	Frequency increase	Effective	Departure time (local)	Arrival time (local)
Winnipeg – Ottawa	4x/week	December 18	8:55 a.m.	12:24 p.m.
Ottawa – Winnipeg	4x/week	December 18	1:10 p.m.	3:04 p.m.

*New flight frequencies available for booking on September 10, 2023

WestJet sees service between Winnipeg and Atlanta take off

The announcement of extended service comes amidst WestJet's inauguration of service between Winnipeg and Atlanta.

With the departure of WS1360 at 9:00 a.m., WestJet today also celebrated the launch of its service between Atlanta and Winnipeg. With the addition of Atlanta to Winnipeg's network, Manitoba's capital expands its list of direct transborder connections, with nonstop service to six destinations in the United States, as a result of WestJet's investments in the city.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating the takeoff of another exclusive and pivotal transborder route, that will unlock direct connectivity between Central Canada and the Southeast United States. This route serves to substantially enhance the economic pipeline of not only Winnipeg, but all of Manitoba and we look forward to seeing the community take advantage of this desirable connection," continued Fajardo.

The departure of WS1360 is the first of five weekly flights that will travel between Atlanta and Winnipeg this winter.

Route	Start date	Frequency	Departure	Arrival
Winnipeg – Atlanta	September 6, 2023	5x weekly	9:00 a.m. (local)	13:09 p.m. (local)
Atlanta – Winnipeg	September 6, 2023`	5x weekly	14:00 p.m. (local)	16:20 p.m. (local)

Board changes at WestJet Group.

The WestJet Group has confirmed the appointment of Benjamin Smith and Álex Cruz as Vice-Chairs of its Board of Directors and the appointment of Lisa Durocher to its Board of Directors.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Benjamin and Álex as Vice-Chairs of our Board of Directors. Benjamin and Álex are both senior airline industry veterans, with proven track records, who will continue to bring strategic and commercial leadership to the WestJet Group as we work together to deliver value to WestJet Group's guests, employees and stakeholders," said Chris Burley, Chairman of the WestJet Group's Board of Directors.

Mr. Smith is the CEO of Air France-KLM where he has served since 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Smith had a distinguished career for more than two decades at Air Canada, where he held a number of increasingly senior positions most recently as President, Airlines and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Smith has extensive international and domestic aviation experience and a proven track record of success.

Mr. Cruz started his career at American Airlines in Dallas and later founded low-cost airline Clickair. He then merged it with Barcelona-based Vueling and eventually drove its acquisition by International Airlines Group (IAG). In 2016, he became the Chairman and CEO of British Airways where he served until 2021. Mr. Cruz also serves on the board of Recaro, PortAventura World and several travel tech start-ups.

WestJet to introduce more flights from Calgary

WestJet to increase service from YYC Calgary International Airport to Ottawa and Los Angeles

As WestJet continues to strengthen its investments in Western Canada, the airline is increased flights to its previously announced winter schedule, with service from Calgary to both Ottawa and Los Angeles. 

"WestJet is unwavering in our commitment to ensure Calgary remains the most connected city in North America with under two million residents, as we continue to provide guests with even more affordable and accessible air travel across our network this winter," said Jane McCurdy, WestJet Director, Network Planning and Alliances. "With increased demand for these two popular routes from Calgary, we are able to provide enhanced capacity and more seats for our valued guests this winter."

Beginning October 30, WestJet will double its daily service Calgary and Ottawa, adding 7 additional weekly flights during peak travel periods. In addition, 5 weekly flights have been added between Calgary and Los Angeles. In total, WestJet will operate close to 900 weekly flights from YYC Calgary International Airport during peak travel periods this winter season.   

New Routes

Route	Frequency increase	Peak winter frequency	Effective
Calgary – Ottawa	7x/week	14x/week	October 30
Calgary – Los Angeles	5x/week	21x/week	October 30

*New flight frequencies available for booking on September 5, 2023

WestJet adds new non-stop route connecting Kelowna and Toronto to the winter schedule

The return of service connecting two cities comes just in time to support business and leisure travel to and from Okanagan region through the winter season

KELOWNA, BC, Aug. 16, 2023 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced the addition of non-stop service between Kelowna and Toronto to the airline's 2023/24 winter schedule. Operating twice weekly, WestJet's winter service between Kelowna and Toronto will begin November 5, 2023.

 "WestJet is pleased to offer enhanced connectivity between Kelowna and Toronto now on this winter which will provide a convenient and affordable travel option for our guests travelling between these two cities for business or leisure," said Jane McCurdy, WestJet Director, Network Planning and Alliances. "The addition of this new route to our winter schedule is a further continuation of our growth strategy's focus on providing non-stop service connecting eastern and Western Canada twelve months of the year."

Details of WestJet's winter service between Kelowna and Toronto

Route	Days of Week	Depart	Arrive
Kelowna – Toronto	Monday & Friday	10:00 a.m.	5:13 p.m.
Toronto – Kelowna	Sunday & Thursday	7:30 p.m.	9:24 p.m.

Reaffirming its commitment to providing connectivity from Eastern to Western Canada as part of the airline's growth strategy, the addition of service between Kelowna and Toronto marks WestJet's nine non-stop routes from Kelowna and 40 non-stop routes from Toronto as part of its upcoming winter schedule.

WestJet adds flights to Mexico from Vancouver

WestJet celebrated an expansion to its winter schedule serving British Columbia's Lower Mainland, further enhancing its sun and leisure connectivity from Vancouver International Airport to some of Mexico's most popular destinations. Additionally, as part of its connectivity to Mexico, WestJet has added weekly non-stop service between Vancouver and Ixtapa.

"We are thrilled to bring more opportunity for our guests across B.C.'s Lower Mainland to seamlessly connect to their favourite destinations across Mexico this winter," said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development. "In alignment with our strategy, we are proud to add Vancouver to the list of Canadian communities through which we are creating extensive and affordable opportunities for our guests to plan their winter getaways."

Network details

Route	Frequency	Start Date
Vancouver - Cancun	9x weekly	Year round
Vancouver – Los Cabos	11x weekly	Year round
Vancouver – Ixtapa	1x weekly	Friday, December 22
Vancouver – Puerto Vallarta	9x weekly	Year round
Vancouver – Mazatlán	2x weekly	Friday, November 3
Vancouver – Huatulco	4x weekly	Sunday, October 29

Route	Frequency	Start date
Abbotsford – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Tuesday, December 5
Abbotsford – Los Cabos	1x weekly	Monday, December 4

 

The WestJet Group enhances services from Hamilton

The WestJet Group maintains a commitment to Hamilton through sun and leisure connections this winter.....

The WestJet Group announced this week some enhancements to its winter schedule serving Hamilton, sustaining the community's key sun connections as the airline works through a transitionary period, completing the integration of its ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop.

The WestJet Group has proudly served Hamilton for 23 years and while the integration of Swoop has resulted in a reduced schedule serving the community, this is a temporary measure required as the airline continues to responsibly execute the incorporation of Swoop's highly successful business model into WestJet.

"Hamilton was integral to Swoop's success and remains a valuable part of the WestJet Group's future," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "As we work through this transitionary period, WestJet's service from Hamilton will be centred on our strategic focus of providing non-stop domestic connectivity to Western Canada and the sun destinations we know our guests rely on us for to escape the winter cold."

Route	Frequency	Start Date
Hamilton – Cancun	3x weekly	November 25
Hamilton – Punta Cana	3x weekly	November 26
Hamilton – Orlando	3x weekly	November 24
Hamilton – Tampa Bay	3x weekly	November 24

 

In addition to its sun schedule, WestJet will also provide non-stop connectivity between Hamilton and Calgary, operating four times weekly. With frequent service to Calgary, operating year-round, WestJet will ensure Hamilton is one seamless connection away from its 787 international hub, granting seamless access to travel across Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe and Tokyo.  

Route	Frequency	Start Date
Hamilton – Calgary	4x weekly	Year-round

"We sincerely value our strong partnership with Hamilton International Airport and the Hamilton community who have strongly supported both WestJet and Swoop over the years," continued Weatherill. "We remain unwaveringly committed to engaging with local stakeholders and community members to expand and reposition our investments to best serve the city, for years to come."

WestJet Group capacity

In addition to WestJet's new sun connections serving Hamilton, as a new but integral part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing Airlines is further strengthening the region's leisure travel opportunities with an extensive winter schedule. Together as the WestJet Group, WestJet and Sunwing Airlines will provide eight non-stop routes from Hamilton to popular sun destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean this winter including, Cayo Coco, Holguin, Varadero.

The WestJet Group continues to work through the integration of its ultra-low-cost subsidiary Swoop into one product offering under the WestJet brand with one goal in mind; to provide reliable and affordable travel to a broader spectrum of guests and communities across Canada and beyond. Through leveraging the ultra-low fare products pioneered by Swoop, WestJet will begin providing ultra-affordable fares and increased affordable vacation packages across Canada through the entirety of its 180 aircraft.

WestJet bolsters sun flying from British Columbia's Fraser Valley

WestJet will be expanding its winter schedule serving British Columbia's Fraser Valley, with strategic new routes directly connecting Abbotsford to the popular beaches of Mexico.

"Today's announcement brings more opportunity for our guests across the Fraser Valley to seamlessly connect to their favourite sun destinations this winter, as the WestJet Group continues to further solidify its position as Canada's favourite sun and leisure provider," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "We are proud to continue providing extensive and affordable opportunities for Canadians from east to west and everywhere in between to fulfil their aspirations to escape the cold and find the sun this winter."

Network details (below)

Route	Frequency	Start date
Abbotsford – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	December 5
Abbotsford – Los Cabos	1x weekly	December 4

In addition to its sun schedule, WestJet will also provide non-stop connectivity between Abbotsford and Alberta. With frequent service to Edmonton, Alberta's capital and Calgary, operating year-round, WestJet will ensure the Fraser Valley is one seamless connection away from its 787 international hub, granting seamless access to travel across Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe and Tokyo.  

Route	Frequency (peak)	Start date
Abbotsford – Calgary	Daily	Year-round
Abbotsford – Edmonton	5x weekly	Year-round

"Abbotsford was integral to Swoop's success and remains a valuable part of the WestJet Group's future," continued Weatherill. "As we work through this transitionary period, WestJet's service from Abbotsford will be centered on our strategic focus of providing non-stop connectivity to the sun destinations we know our guests rely on us for to escape the winter cold."

The WestJet Group commitment to affordability

The WestJet Group continues to work through the integration of its ultra-low-cost subsidiary Swoop into one product offering under the WestJet brand with one goal in mind; to provide reliable and affordable travel to a broader spectrum of guests and communities across Canada and beyond. Through leveraging the ultra-low fare products pioneered by Swoop, WestJet will begin providing ultra-affordable fares and increased affordable vacation packages across Canada through the entirety of its 180 aircraft. 

WestJet's growth plan takes flight: airline celebrates year-round connectivity between Moncton and Calgary

Yesterday one of the leading airlines in Canada, WestJet, was joined by political leaders and key stakeholders from across New Brunswick to celebrate the airline's winter schedule, which extends a key domestic route from summer to year-round service. Building on the exceptional demand and success of its summer service between Moncton and Calgary, the airline will continue to offer two flights per week now on a year-round basis.

WestJet's newest investment in Moncton was celebrated today at a special event held in downtown Moncton alongside notable partners including, Courtney Burns, President of the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority, Inc, John Wishart, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton (CCGM) and Yvon LaPierre, Mayor of Dieppe.

"We are thrilled with WestJet's announcement to continue its non-stop direct service between Calgary and Greater Moncton year-round." Said Courtney Burns, President of the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority, Inc. "Two non-stop direct flights per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays will allow both business and leisure travellers to conveniently experience what each amazing destination has to offer."

Route	Frequency	Days of Week
Calgary – Moncton	2x weekly	Tuesday, Thursday
Moncton – Calgary	2x weekly	Tuesday, Thursday

WestJet to operate 230 direct routes from Canada to the southern U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America this winter season

WestJet has announced its winter schedule which includes many key domestic and international routes from summer to year-round service.

John Weatherill, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, "This year's winter schedule is about providing Canadians with what they want: affordable sun destination getaways from across Canada; enhanced domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast; and the assurance that some of our most popular routes, previously operated exclusively in the summer, are available year-round,".

Expansion of service to sun destinations

In alignment with WestJet's growth strategy and providing more affordable leisure and sun travel opportunities, this winter the airline is increasing getaway opportunities with new service to some of WestJet's most popular sun destinations. Featuring four new and four returning routes, WestJet's winter schedule will see more than 85 daily departures on average to sun destinations from communities across Canada. Additionally, in response to high demand for travel to the popular beaches of Mexico, WestJet will proudly serve as the airline providing the most flights to over 10 Mexican destinations from Canada this winter. 

Year-round extensions

Due to exceptional demand, WestJet is extending key routes, highly utilized by its guests this summer, to operate year-round.

WestJet to start weekly service to Bonaire.....

Popular Canadian carrier, WestJet has said it will add the beautiful island of Bonaire to its list of Caribbean destinations when it starts a new non-stop seasonal service from Toronto this winter.

The airline will start the service on 12th December 2023, offing a weekly flight to the stunning Dutch Caribbean island. Bonaire is in the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea and is accessible through The Flamingo International Airport. Known for its globally acclaimed shore diving and windsurfing, Bonaire is the ideal destination for warm weather, and adventure-seeking holidaymakers. 

Miles Mercera, CEO of Tourism Corporation Bonaire welcomed the news, "We are very happy to welcome our friends in the North to our beautiful island this winter via this first-of-its-kind route. - Canada continues to be a vital connection for Bonaire, with Canada ranking among our top 10 performing markets. This historic new connectivity helps answer the demand of tourism interest in the island, which we expect to only increase during the colder months."

Chris Avery, WestJet's Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development said:  "WestJet is excited to bring the beauty and allure of Bonaire to Canadian travellers looking to trade in their winter routines for world-renowned adventure and pristine white beaches. As we look towards the colder months ahead and our exciting growth plan, we are more committed than ever to expanding our network, offering unforgettable experiences and connecting our guests to remarkable destinations like Bonaire."

Route	Frequency	Day of Week	Departure	Arrival	Start Date
Toronto-Bonaire	1x weekly	Tuesday	10:00	16:15	December 12, 2023
Bonaire-Toronto	1x weekly	Wednesday	9:00	13:42	December 13, 2023

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