MONTRÉAL, March 16, 2023 /CNW/ – Once again, ADM Aéroports de Montréal is proud to announce that YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport has been recognized at the 2023 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The airport’s employees won first place in the Best Airport Staff Service category in North America.
“With a strong recovery in aviation activity in 2022 creating many challenges for our industry, I am very proud that the excellent work of our airport community employees has been recognized. YUL has distinguished itself for many years by the way it welcomes people and for its commitment to championing the passenger experience. To the 13,000 people who are dedicated to serving passengers every day and who, above all, have continued to smile during the most difficult times over the past year, I say thank you and, above all, bravo!” said Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of ADM.
YUL was also recognized in this category in 2019 after a change had been initiated over the years to provide passengers with a more memorable and pleasant experience as soon as they arrive at the airport.
Montréal-Trudeau came in fifth in the overall Best Airports in North America category, after holding the 10th position for many years. Only one other Canadian airport is present in this category. In the Top 100 International Airports ranking, YUL was ranked 45th, up 21 places from last year, as voted by travellers around the world.
The Skytrax World Airport Awards are regarded as the benchmark for quality in the global airport industry. The awards are based on a customer service and facilities evaluation process involving more than 550 airports and millions of travellers worldwide. The survey period ran from August 2022 to February 2023.
About Aéroports de Montréal
ADM Aéroports de Montréal is the airport authority for the Greater Montréal area responsible for the management, operation and development of YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, certified 4-stars under the Skytrax World Airport Star Rating program, and YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel.
Five weekly flights to operate from June 2 until Oct. 14, 2023
Timed to optimize North American connectivity through Air Canada’s Montreal global hub
Complements year-round Toronto-Amsterdam service
MONTREAL, March 15, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada today announced the addition of new, non-stop seasonal flights between Montreal and Amsterdam for this summer. Flights will operate five-times weekly with the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, and conveniently link to and from Air Canada’s extensive North American network at its Montreal global hub. Seats are available for sale now via aircanada.com, the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and through travel agencies.
Air Canada today announced the addition of new, non-stop seasonal flights between Montreal and Amsterdam for this summer. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
“We continue to see strong demand for travel to Europe and we are thrilled to increase service and add new, non-stop service between Montreal and Amsterdam for summer 2023, complementing our year-round service between Toronto and the Dutch capital. With up to double daily flights between Canada and Amsterdam this summer from two of our global hubs, customers on both sides of the Atlantic have an abundance of convenient choices to visit and explore each other’s countries and beyond. Customers can start planning ahead and book with confidence. We look forward to welcoming you onboard,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
Air Canada’s newest route from Montreal further strengthens its position as the leading trans-Atlantic carrier serving the city, offering the most destinations and available seats, as well as providing an additional important economic link between the two cities with the Dreamliner’s cargo capabilities.
Flight
From
To
Departs
Arrives
Operates
AC900
Montreal (YUL)
Amsterdam(AMS)
22:10
11:00 + 1day
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, SatJun 2-Oct 14
AC901
Amsterdam (AMS)
Montreal (YUL)
14:00
15:30
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, SunJun 3-Oct 15
International Services
Air Canada’s international services onboard widebody aircraft offer a choice of three cabins: Air Canada Signature Class featuring lie-flat individual pods, Premium Economy featuring larger seats with additional leg room and premium services, and Economy featuring complimentary Chef-inspired and designed meals, wines and beverages. All cabins have inflight entertainment screens at every seat with hours of complimentary onboard entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wi-fi connectivity.
Air Canada has 23 Maple Leaf Lounges located in North America and worldwide for eligible customers.
Air Canada’s onboard services on international flights departing Canada showcase some of the best cuisine Canadian culinary talent has to offer with Air Canada’s panel of celebrity chefs, including award- winning, Vancouver-based chefs David Hawksworth and Vikram Vij, and renowned Montreal chefs Antonio Park and Jérôme Ferrer. Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier, Véronique Rivest.
All customers have the opportunity to collect and redeem points with Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.
To celebrate, Lynx is launching a seat sale of up to 50 per cent off base fares on all Montreal routes
MONTREAL, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lynx Air (Lynx), today announced the addition of Montreal to its network from June 5, 2023, taking the total number of North American destinations served by Lynx to fifteen.
Canada’s new ultra-affordable airline will operate services from Montreal – Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to both Calgary International Airport (YYC) and St. John’s International Airport (YYT). Frequencies range from 2 to 4 services a week, depending on the market.
Tickets go on sale today, and Lynx is launching a limited-time seat sale with up to 50 per cent off all base fares to and from Montreal. The sale will run from 8:00 AM EDT on March 08, 2023, and end at 11:59 PM EDT on March 10, 2023, and is accessible with promo code: MONTREAL. Fares are truly ultra-affordable, starting from $59* one way, including taxes and fees. For complete details, and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com.
“We are delighted to be adding the vibrant city of Montreal to the Lynx Air network in the lead up to summer. While Montreal is a very popular destination, it is currently under-served by low-cost carriers, and Lynx aims to change that,” said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx. “We are pleased to offer an ultra-affordable option to connect Montreal and Quebec to the rest of Canada. Whether you are traveling to wander the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal; to explore the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica; or to visit your loved ones, Lynx will ensure a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.”
“ADM Aéroports de Montréal is very pleased to welcome Lynx Air to YUL for the first time. The announcement of these direct flights to Calgary and St. John’s is a great contribution to the development of domestic air services at YUL. ADM is always looking for ways to offer our passengers the best possible service for both business and leisure travellers, and Lynx Air will certainly enhance the domestic flight options from Montreal,” said Stéphane Lapierre, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development, ADM.
“We are thrilled with the expansion of Lynx Air’s service out of St. John’s,” said Lisa Bragg, Director of Business Development and Marketing with the St. John’s International Airport Authority. “This new Lynx route from St. John’s to Montreal and onward to Calgary further enhances our passenger choices in flying and reinforces the partnership we are building with Lynx.”
“The addition of Montreal to Lynx Air’s route offerings out of YYC showcases the success it has seen in its YYC operations. We are thrilled with the success our collaboration has had over the last year and look forward to continuing to support Lynx’s growth and expansion in the years to come,” said Carmelle Hunka, Vice President, External Affairs, ESG, Enterprise Risk & General Counsel for The Calgary Airport Authority.
* Available for a limited time; restrictions apply.
About Lynx Air
Lynx Air (Lynx), Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all, with ultra-affordable fares and a customer-focused flying experience. The airline was recently awarded Youngest Fleet in North America by ch-aviation. Lynx operates a brand-new fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, bringing an elevated customer experience to low-cost travel in Canada. These ultra-efficient and reliable aircraft reduce Lynx’s carbon footprint, making Lynx one of Canada’s most sustainable airlines. Lynx is a privately owned Canadian airline with the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape.
MONTREAL, March 8, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Transat is proud to announce that it will offer a non-stop service between Montreal and Lyon next winter, thus becoming the only airline to operate this route year-round. Canadian travellers will be able to discover or rediscover this city renowned for its gastronomy and enjoy easy access to the French Alps, a world-class ski destination. In winter 2023-2024, this route will operate three days a week from Montreal on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Air Transat already flies up to seven times per week between Montreal and Lyon in the summer season. It services a total of eight French cities including two on a year-round schedule, namely Paris and now Lyon.
“As the leading carrier between Quebec and France, it was natural for us to add Lyon and its region to our winter program,” said Michèle Barre, Air Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Route annualizations are part of our development strategy and, incidentally, our A321LR fleet is the best tool to meet this goal. We are delighted to meet the growing demand between Canada and France, which will benefit winter sports enthusiasts, business travellers and the expat community alike.”
The route will be operated with new generation Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring spacious cabins, state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment systems and the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and NOx) in their class.
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted North America’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international, transborder and Canadian destinations. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). To find out more, visit airtransat.com.
Winter 2023 will see an expansion in Las Vegas with the addition of service from Ottawa and Calgary
Existing Phoenix service will move from Phoenix-Mesa to Sky Harbor and new route from Calgary to begin in October
Majority of Winter 2023 capacity to be international or transborder
EDMONTON, AB, March 7, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, Flair Airlines, Canada’s everyday low fare airline, announces the release of an exciting winter 2023 schedule. The schedule features added depth across the network to give customers more choice, particularly to sunshine, at low fares.
Today’s announcement includes several new routes, including Toronto to Puerto Vallarta (beginning October 29, 4x weekly), Kitchener-Waterloo to Puerto Vallarta (beginning December 16, 3x weekly), Calgary to Las Vegas (beginning October 30, 7x weekly), and Calgary to Phoenix (beginning October 30, 4x weekly). Flair will also be the only carrier to serve Ottawa to Las Vegas (beginning October 13, 2x weekly).
Existing service from Vancouver and Edmonton to Phoenix will move to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for the season, along with the new service from Calgary to Phoenix.
“With today’s exciting announcement, we are reaffirming our commitment to Canadians,” said Stephen Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, Flair Airlines. “Our network offers more choice to more sun destinations than ever before. Rather than one reprieve from winter, we look forward to Canadians taking the opportunity to try all of the amazing destinations in our network.”
“We’ve optimized our network this winter to match demand for sun. It’s clear that Canadians want more affordable options for sun, more often,” said Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer, Flair Airlines. “We’ve focused on adding depth to our network by increasing frequencies on popular routes. We’ll now have daily service various routes, including Vancouver to Los Angeles and Toronto to Orlando to make it easier for Canadians to plan their winter travel.”
One-way fares at flyflair.com begin at $9 one way including taxes and fees (Thunder Bay to Toronto). Limited seats for a limited time. Flights are available for booking at flyflair.com.
All routes, including the winter schedule, are now on sale for 20% off base fare with code: SAVE20. Sale starts on March 7 and ends on March 9, 2023, for travel from March 7, 2023, to March 14, 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Limited seats for a limited time. *
About Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve over 35 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com.
*Use promo code: SAVE20. Limited seats for a limited time. Base fare only. Taxes and fees not included. Sale start: March 7, 2023. Sale end: March 9, 2023. Blackout dates: April 6 – April 7, 2023; April 10, 2023; May 18 – May 19, 2023; May 22 – May 23, 2023; June 30, 2023; September 1 – September 4, 2023; October 6 – October 9, 2023; November 10 – November 13, 2023; December 15, 2023 – January 7, 2024; February 15 – February 20, 2024.
Winter 2023 Weekly Frequencies
Transborder
Toronto (YYZ) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 14x weekly
Vancouver (YVR) – Los Angeles (LAX): 7x weekly
Toronto (YYZ) – New York (JFK): 4X weekly
Toronto (YYZ) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
Vancouver (YVR) – San Francisco (SFO): 4x weekly
Ottawa (YOW) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
Toronto (YYZ) – Orlando (SFB): 7x weekly
Vancouver (YVR) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7x weekly
Edmonton (YEG) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
Flight AC660 from Montreal to Halifax was operated and supported by Black pilots, flight attendants, managers and ground teams
MONTREAL, Feb. 28, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada wrapped Black History Month today with its second annual Black History celebratory flight. Flight AC660 from Montreal to Halifax was planned, supported and operated by Black pilots, flight attendants, managers and employees on the ground and behind the scenes at Montreal Trudeau International Airport and on arrival at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Flight AC660 from Montreal to Halifax was planned, supported and operated by Black pilots, flight attendants, managers and employees on the ground and behind the scenes at Montreal Trudeau International Airport and on arrival at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
“Air Canada salutes its Black employees who have proudly championed their identity and pride to showcase their achievements and contributions to aviation. This is the second year in a row we have applauded Black excellence with a celebration flight and we are thrilled to highlight our employees’ professional achievements. They are incredible ambassadors and role models for the next generation of Black youth,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada.
On today’s flight are some Air Canada employees and special guests who will visit Africville to learn more about the rich Black cultural heritage, and the long and deep Black history roots in the Halifax area.
Comments from airline professionals involved in Air Canada’s Black Celebration Flight:
“Being asked to help lead and organize this second Black Excellence Flight for Air Canada is an honour that I cannot express in words. I am proud of the example we are setting and showing as a Black community and as an Air Canada family. We are highlighting to aspiring young Black kids that there are people in the aviation industry that look like them and that they, too, can be a part of this incredible industry. We are demonstrating to them that Air Canada celebrates Black History and that ‘You are Black History’,” said Andrew Free, Manager, STOC Oversight for Montreal and Quebec City.
“To me, being a Black aviation professional means having the responsibility to mentor the next generation of young aviators. I am extremely fortunate today because of the efforts of the few Black pilots that came before me. I appreciate and thank all the many hard-working professionals who have contributed to the success of the day,” said William Batson, Manager, Line Operations, Flight Operations in Toronto, and Captain of flight AC660.
“Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to work on many amazing projects within Air Canada, which always been ahead of the trends. I have never felt that my skin colour slowed me down at the airline. Some of my best memories are when I meet little Black kids and I see how their eyes light up when they realize that not only am I working on their flight, I am the one in-charge,” said Mendoza Jolly, Service Director, Air Canada.
“My love for aviation started when I was young, with my brother bringing me to the airport to see airplanes, so working at Air Canada was a natural transition for me. Now as a lead station attendant and Health and Safety coordinator, I am proud to be part of a company that recognizes and celebrates my heritage,” Keyon Burke, Health and Safety Coordinator.
“My aviation career feels like a family tradition as I followed the footsteps of my late father, who joined TransCanada Airlines in 1957. As a Black woman and an ambassador for the Air Canada brand, it is wonderful to see Air Canada providing leadership on a project as important as Black History Month,” said Sharyn Prevost, Air Canada Customer Experience Specialist, Halifax.
Hear more about what Air Canada’s Black employees have to say about the importance of being seen, and about race and adversity in these three short videos.
Air Canada has been named one of Canada’s best Diversity Employers for multiple consecutive years. Its Corporate Sustainability Report (CSR) details the airline’s diversity and community initiatives.
In its internal voluntary surveys, 684 Air Canada employees self-identified as Black, and work in senior management, leadership, specialized professional positions, and across all work groups including pilots, flight attendants, customer service agents, maintenance technicians and ground support crews.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the United States and 88 internationally. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
MONTREAL, Feb. 21, 2023 /CNW/ – Unifor is concerned that a contract flip that resulted in Swissport losing its contract with Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport will potentially leave up to 150 Unifor members without jobs by the end of June.
“This is a prime example of what’s wrong at Canada’s airports. Contract flipping leads to the chaos we are seeing at airports across the country,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Each time a contract for an airport service flips, workers are forced to reapply for their job with the new company, often with significant wage cuts and reduced benefits. It impacts workers’ mental health and pulls stability from under their feet. Many workers facing job insecurity find themselves forced to find other work. Airports need look no further than this race to the bottom practice to understand their labour force issues.”
Last week, Unifor Local 2002 were made aware that Swissport lost its contract after the Aéroports de Montréal put out a Request for Proposal (RPF) for ground handlers but left the decision in the hands of a group of airlines operating out of the airport.
The airlines chose three companies – a Quebec-based non-unionized company called, Trans-Sol Aviation Service, and two ground handling companies, Menzies Aviation and French-based Samsic Airport, neither of which have operated out of Montreal airport.
Ground handlers perform above-the-wing work, which is customer service work, check-in, working at the gates and meeting inbound planes. They are also responsible for loading and unloading customer baggage, freight and cargo to the aircraft and delivering passengers’ baggage to and from the aircraft to designated collection/drop off points.
About 50 Local 2002 members working in premium lounges at the airport will not be impacted.
In the past 11 years, the Unifor ground handlers have endured a series of contract flips, buyouts, and employment changes, working for Handlex, Servisair and Swissport.
The practice of contract-flipping involves subcontracting out services and changing service providers every few years, as a way to unjustly cut back on employees, reduce and stagnate wages and limit employees’ rights in order for the contracting company to save costs and increase profit.
“The federal government is really sticking its head in the sand and needs to expedite putting a plan together to address the underlying issues that are creating instability in the aviation industry,” said Leslie Dias, Unifor’s Director of Airlines.
“That instability creates precarious work for workers and unpleasant travel experiences for Canadians and international passengers. The current regulations in Canada enables contract flipping to take place, because we have a deregulated air transportation environment that is failing, and this is just another example of that.”
Unifor represents 16,000 members across Canada in the aviation sector, including 550 members who work for Swissport.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
New transborder routes connecting Edmonton with Minneapolis and Seattle along with increased access across Canada underpins continued expansion of Alberta’s global aviation network
EDMONTON, AB, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today revealed significantly increased transborder connectivity from Edmonton International Airport, with new non-stop service to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington as part of its 2023 summer schedule. In addition, WestJet’s summer schedule from Edmonton will revitalize the city’s domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast with the airline unveiling new routes from Edmonton to London, Moncton, Charlottetown and the resumption of nonstop flights to Ottawa, Montreal, Nanaimo and Penticton.
WestJet’s renewed commitment to the city of Edmonton will see the airline’s service increase by almost 50 per cent this summer when compared to 2022. Additionally, today’s announcement underpins WestJet’s strategic ambitions to grow its presence across Western Canada and further strengthens Canada’s east to west connectivity.
“Since our first day of operation in February 1996 to reaffirming our commitment to the city and region almost exactly 27 years later, Edmonton is an integral part of WestJet’s beginnings and our future,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “As WestJet continues to own our position as the undisputed home-team carrier of Western Canada, I am grateful to be celebrating our renewed focus on Edmonton alongside our valued partners as we take strides to energize the city’s two-way tourism opportunities and bolster its accessibility for business and leisure travellers.”
In celebration of its new Edmonton-based investments which mark the single largest expansion of WestJet’s network serving Edmonton in history, the airline, in partnership with Edmonton International Airport, was joined by valued partners from across the region at a special event held in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown ICE District.
“WestJet continues to invest in our region by creating important non-stop routes to critical destinations that foster business development and propel the visitor economy,” said Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG). “The more flights we have at YEG, the more opportunities we can offer Edmonton, our region, and Canada’s North, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more WestJet flights to our airport and showcase the Edmonton Region as an attractive hub for tech, sustainability, trade and tourism.”
Rounding out Alberta’s growing and thriving aviation hub
WestJet’s summer schedule serving Alberta builds on the airline’s foundational support of the province that will allow for its leisure, cargo and business economies to thrive like never before. With five new additions and the restart of four destinations to Edmonton’s network, WestJet will serve 21 domestic and four transborder destinations from Alberta’s capital this summer.
Details of WestJet’s new summer service from Edmonton
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Minneapolis (MSP) *New
June 2
5x weekly
08:15
11:46
Seattle (SEA) *New
May 19
5x weekly
10:30
11:30
Charlottetown (YYG) *New
June 14
1x weekly
10:25
17:58
Moncton (YQM) *New
June 29
2x weekly
10:25
17:57
Penticton (YYF)1
July 1
2x weekly
11:00
11:27
Nanaimo (YCD) 1*Year-Round
Year- round
2x weekly
10:30
11:29
London (YXU) *New
May 19
2x weekly
10:25
15:52
Ottawa (YOW) 1
April 30
6x weekly
09:00
14:43
Montreal 1
June 30
2x weekly
01:00
07:03
1 Resumption of service last operated in 2021
Additional quotes:
“Air travel is critical to our regional economy. Direct routes to strategic business locations make our region more globally competitive. They attract investment and human capital and they connect our local companies to the global marketplace. Half of all cargo moves in the bellies of passenger planes – the increase in direct flights and the new connection to Minneapolis is a big boost for our local businesses. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these flights will have on our region.”
“These new connections serve as an important tool for further positioning Edmonton as an international hub for trade and travel in Western Canada. New routes to the US will further open up economic expansion opportunities for businesses in the Edmonton region while also bringing in visitors to explore everything our great capital city region has to offer. Thank you to the teams at the Edmonton International Airport and WestJet for making today’s announcement possible.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre
“With these new flight commitments from West Jet, the future of tourism is looking even brighter. Seeing more visitors enjoying all that Alberta has to offer is something our government is excited about. Our Festivals, Parks and Mountains are second to none and we look forward to sharing them with the world.”
– The Honourable Todd Loewen, Ministry of Forestry, Parks and Tourism
“With the recent announcement of WestJet increasing their services both to the United States and from coast to coast in Canada, I am pleased for the positive outcomes to the Edmonton region that are sure to follow. As Edmonton’s population continues to grow, Edmontonians’ desire to travel and feel connected does too. This is a much welcomed investment that will spark economic growth and vibrancy in the Edmonton region, and I look forward to my next transborder and domestic flights with WestJet from the Edmonton International Airport.”
– Edmonton Mayor, Amarjeet Sohi
“On behalf of Leduc County, I’d like to congratulate WestJet on its exciting network expansion. The success of the airport is directly tied to the success of the region, and the more direct flights EIA has – especially to key connecting hubs in the United States – the easier it will be to connect with businesses on a global scale, which will in turn drive business development and diversification.”
– Leduc County Mayor, Tanni Doblanko
About WestJet
In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognitionincludes: 2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty) 2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)
CALGARY, AB, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today unveiled 20 new routes and three new destinations to the airline’s summer schedule. Offering a comprehensive network of connectivity between Western Canada and the United States, WestJet’s summer network additions feature new non-stop service to Washington Dulles, Detroit and Minneapolis, with new routes added to Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Nashville and Seattle. In line with the airline’s previously announced strategic direction, WestJet is also expanding domestic travel options across Canada with increased frequencies and options to travel from coast-to-coast, and everywhere in between.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our network and giving our guests substantial opportunity to explore the U.S., and Canada from coast-to-coast this summer,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “From increased domestic options to expanded regional and transborder connectivity throughout Western Canada, our summer schedule demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fulfilling the diverse needs of Canadian travellers and ensuring we are the friendly, reliable and affordable airline they love.”
With strengthened domestic and transborder connectivity, WestJet will increase its service up to nearly 30 per cent in Calgary, 50 percent in Edmonton and 10 per cent in Vancouver when compared to 2022.
Expanded U.S. network with more routes and increased access to Delta hubs
This summer WestJet will introduce Minneapolis, Detroit and Washington D.C. (Dulles), to its network, in addition to investing in new routes and restoring service to an expansive list of U.S. destinations.
Through its longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Minneapolis and Detroit will gain access to two more of the U.S. airline’s major hubs. Building on WestJet’s current service to Delta hubs, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, WestJet guests will now have access to over 150 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.
Highlights of WestJet’s summer 2023 transborder and international service
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Austin*
May 18
2x weekly
09:40
14:30
Calgary – Chicago*
May 18
4x weekly
12:15
16:40
Calgary – Detroit1
May 26
5x weekly
12:35
18:05
Calgary – Washington D.C. (Dulles)
June 2
3x weekly
09:45
16:02
Edmonton – Minneapolis1
June 2
5x weekly
08:15
11:46
Edmonton – Seattle1
May 19
5x weekly
10:30
11:30
Vancouver – Atlanta1
May 17
4x weekly
22:25
06:05
Vancouver – Nashville
May 19
2x weekly
10:00
16:19
Vancouver – Orlando*
May 6
1x weekly
11:00
19:52
Winnipeg – Los Angeles3
Apr 30
3x weekly
07:00
08:38
Toronto – Bermuda3
May 5
2x weekly
07:00
10:42
*Resumption of service/ 1 Delta hub/ 3 Continuation of winter service
Enhancing non-stop west to east connectivity
As part of WestJet’s new strategic direction, the airline is taking strides to further provide guests with extensive opportunities to seamlessly and affordably travel across Canada. Substantially strengthening Canadian connectivity, WestJet is adding five new routes between Eastern and Western Canada, further positioning its network to support travel demands across the country.
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Moncton
June 14
3x weekly
09:15
16:49
Calgary – Thunder Bay*
June 29
3x weekly
14:00/15:45
18:36/20:21
Calgary – Quebec City*
May 19
4x weekly
17:55
23:55
Edmonton – Charlottetown
June 14
1x weekly
10:25
17:58
Edmonton – London
May 19
2x weekly
10:25
15:52
Edmonton – Moncton
June 29
2x weekly
10:25
17:57
Edmonton – Ottawa*
Apr 30
6x weekly
09:00
14:43
Edmonton – Montreal*
June 30
2x weekly
01:00
07:03
*Resumption of service
Bringing Western Canadian communities closer through a strengthened regional network
As Western Canada’s undisputed home-team carrier, WestJet is enhancing its aviation gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities by further strengthening regional connectivity with the resumption of non-stop flights and increased frequencies.
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Terrace*
May 1
4x weekly
09:40/14:10
10:58/15:28
Edmonton – Nanaimo*
April 30
2x weekly
10:30
11:29
Edmonton – Penticton*
July 1
2x weekly
11:00
11:27
Kelowna – Regina*
May 21
2x weekly
17:30
20:34
Kelowna – Saskatoon*
June 2
2x weekly
17:35
20:29
Kelowna – Winnipeg*
June 2
3x weekly
19:15
23:33
Vancouver – Regina*
Jun 30
2x weekly
20:45
23:47
Winnipeg – Victoria*
April 30
2x weekly
17:30
18:28
*Resumption of service
Additional quotes
“Delta is excited about WestJet’s expanded US-Canada network in summer 2023,” said Perry Cantarutti, senior vice president Alliances and International for Delta. “We already have a strong codeshare network with WestJet, and extensive reciprocal benefits for our frequent flyers. With both increased flights to Delta’s hubs in Atlanta and Seattle, as well as new WestJet flights to our hubs in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit, we look forward to growing our partnership, offering new travel and connection options to more customers, and increasing competition.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet to Minnesota and are pleased to add an important business route to Edmonton from MSP,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “WestJet’s arrival also opens up new connections for travelers across Western Canada and the United States leveraging their codeshare with Delta Air Lines, MSP’s largest carrier.”
“We are pleased to have WestJet begin operations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. With the addition of WestJet, our customers will be able to fly directly from Detroit to Calgary for the first time since 2005. We’re hoping this route will also give our Canadian neighbors one more reason to visit our great region, “said Chad Newton, Wayne County Airport Authority CEO.
“Dulles International Airport welcomes WestJet to the Washington, D.C., region with this first-ever service to Calgary,” said Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “Calgary will become the 60th international destination from Washington Dulles, and WestJet will be our 40th air carrier. We are thrilled to welcome WestJet to Dulles and to provide customers this new link between Western Canada and Washington.”
About WestJet
In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognitionincludes: 2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty) 2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines) 2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)
Canadian Aviation News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.