WestJet accelerates Alberta’s recovery with 2022 summer schedule

Alberta set to lead Canada’s travel and tourism rebound as airline restores network to pre-pandemic levels

WestJet investing in Alberta’s connection to global and business economies with non-stop routes to London Heathrow, Gatwick, Rome, Paris and Dublin

CALGARY, AB, March 14, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today released its 2022 summer schedule, announcing the full restoration of the airline’s service levels across Alberta to pre-pandemic levels. WestJet’s summer schedule from Alberta will see 180 daily departures from Calgary and Edmonton to 35 domestic, 16 transborder and eight international destinations during peak travel months.

“The restoration of our network marks a major milestone in WestJet and Alberta’s recovery as we rebuild our network and strengthen critical connections to global hubs and business economies,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet. “After two years of unprecedented challenges, we’re proud that Alberta will lead the recovery of Canada’s travel and tourism industry. As Alberta’s homegrown airline, we continue to make investments to better serve our guests and look forward to offering more options for visitors to experience the vibrancy of what Alberta has to offer.”

Enhancing Alberta’s global travel and tourism pipeline

After a two-year delay, WestJet is set to launch its long-awaited service to Rome, Italy on May 7, 2022. The airline will also introduce new non-stop service to London Heathrow beginning on March 26, 2022.

WestJet’s investments in transatlantic flying from Calgary International Airport will see the airline increase the critical tourism pipeline between Alberta and Europe by 43 per cent when compared to 2019, supported by new routes and increased non-stop options to London Gatwick, Paris and Dublin.

“This is welcome news for travellers and for the entire travel industry as WestJet leads the way on economic recovery,” said Bob Sartor, President & CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. “Travellers can count on YYC Calgary International Airport to scale up operations alongside WestJet to ensure travellers have safe, efficient access to destinations in Alberta and overseas.”

Route	Peak Frequency	Start Date
Calgary – London Heathrow	4x weekly	March 26, 2022
Calgary – London Gatwick	5x weekly	May 1, 2022
Calgary – Paris	5x weekly	May 1, 2022
Calgary – Rome	3x weekly	May 7, 2022
Calgary – Dublin	3x weekly	May 8, 2022

Investing in regional and domestic air travel

This summer, Albertans will benefit from enhanced connectivity throughout the region and across Canada. At its peak, WestJet will serve 43 domestic, 23 transborder, 16 Caribbean and eight transatlantic destinations, restoring 94 per cent of its pre-pandemic routes with more than 600 daily departures network wide. Domestic highlights of WestJet’s summer schedule feature an 88 per cent increase in regional connectivity province wide. WestJet provides more than half of all seats across Alberta and together as the WestJet Group, WestJet and Swoop give Albertans more options, to more destinations than any other airline.

WestJet’s Alberta service:

• Calgary: 142 daily departures, 35 domestic, 16 transborder and eight international destinations
• Edmonton: 38 daily departures, 15 domestic and two transborder destinations
• Grande Prairie: multiple daily flights to Calgary and Edmonton
• Fort McMurray: multiple daily flights to Calgary and Edmonton
• Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat: multiple daily flights to Calgary

Enhancing transborder connectivity

As part of its summer schedule, WestJet will launch previously delayed non-stop service between Calgary and Boston on June 30, 2022. The airline will also reintroduce and enhance service to 16 popular transborder business and leisure destinations.

Route	Peak Frequency	Start Date
Calgary – Nashville	3x weekly	March 17, 2022
Calgary – Denver	2x weekly	May 22, 2022
Calgary – Boston	3x weekly	June 30, 2022
Calgary – New York (JFK)	4x weekly	Already in service
Calgary – Portland	2x daily	Already in service
Calgary – Orlando	3x weekly	Already in service
Calgary – Phoenix	2x daily	Already in service
Calgary – Los Angeles	2x daily	Already in service
Calgary – San Diego	4x weekly	Already in service
Calgary – Palm Springs	5x weekly	Already in service
Calgary – San Francisco	2x daily	Already in service
Calgary – Orange County	3x weekly	Already in service
Calgary – Las Vegas	3x daily	Already in service
Calgary – Atlanta	1x daily	Already in service
Calgary – Houston	2x daily	Already in service
Calgary – Seattle	2x daily	Already in service
Edmonton – Los Angeles	4x weekly	Already in service
Edmonton – Las Vegas	4x weekly	Already in service

To discover all the direct flights across WestJet’s network, visit WestJet.com.

About the WestJet Group of Companies 
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 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes: 
– 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) 

WestJet flights between Dawson Creek and Calgary take off

Air service returns to Dawson Creek as WestJet Link connects city to WestJet’s global hub

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 8, 2021 /CNW/ – Today, WestJet launched its newest route with the departure of WestJet Link flight 3027 connecting Calgary and Dawson Creek, B.C. The inaugural marks a new link for the regions’ business, travel and tourism markets as WestJet becomes the only carrier to provide nonstop service between the Peace River Region and its largest hub in Calgary, where the airline is the largest carrier, offering the most seats and flights.

“Our guests in both Calgary and the Peace River Region have been patiently awaiting this important milestone and we are thrilled to bring air service to the community,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “As we continue to build back our network, Dawson Creek will benefit from lower fares and connectivity across our network as we strive to reconnect Canadians for business and leisure.”

Upon flight 3027’s arrival in Dawson Creek, the inaugural service was celebrated by Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead alongside Chris Hedlin, WestJet’s Vice-President of Network Planning and key regional business leaders.

“The City of Dawson Creek is so pleased to welcome WestJet into our city and the entire South Peace region of Northeast BC. This new direct service to Calgary is so important to the economic development of our city,” said Dale Bumstead, Mayor, Dawson Creek. “The Energy, Forestry and Mining sectors are all very important to our region and this new service will be a welcome addition for industry while also providing our residents with nonstop air service to WestJet’s global hub in Calgary for their leisure and business travel.”

The new service and new route for WestJet operates four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.  WestJet Link flights are operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines using its fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft.

With the addition of Calgary-Dawson Creek service, WestJet Link now operates five routes between Calgary and Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster and Medicine Hat and three between Vancouver and Cranbrook, Nanaimo and Comox.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Dawson Creek:

Route	Frequency	Start Date	Departure	Arrival
Calgary – Dawson Creek	4x weekly	September 8, 2021	3:30 p.m	4:37 p.m
Dawson Creek – Calgary	4x weekly	September 8, 2021	5:15 p.m	8:13 p.m

Additional quotes

“With many development projects happening across western Canada, the addition of WestJet’s Calgary to Dawson Creek, B.C. route is an important connection that supports economic development, benefiting both provinces,” said Chris Miles, Vice President, Operations & Infrastructure for The Calgary Airport Authority. “This route also provides guests in Northern B.C. direct access to Alberta and destinations across the country with YYC’s extensive connecting flight network.”

“We are very excited to be a part of the new air service to Dawson Creek,” says Pacific Coastal Airlines President, Quentin Smith. “We are pleased to see WestJet Link grow and look forward to our continued partnership and linking communities to the WestJet network.”

About WestJet 
In 25 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 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All promise. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

Seven regional airports across the Prairies receiving more than $8 million to maintain regional connectivity and jobs

Targeted Government of Canada support will be provided by Prairies Economic Development Canada

EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 13, 2021 /CNW/ – Regional air transportation is crucial to local economic growth, the movement of goods and the connectivity of Canadians across the country. The pandemic has had major impacts on regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting communities and local businesses from coast to coast to coast.

The Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), launched in March 2021, fosters access to air transportation and supports regional ecosystems. In particular, it enables regional air carriers and airports to remain operational in these difficult times and to continue contributing to regional economic growth, while adapting to new post-COVID-19 realities and requirements.

Prairie airports to benefit from funding

With this in mind, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced up to $8,456,930 in RATI funding for seven regional airports in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This funding will enable these airports to overcome challenges that were brought on by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses across Canada. Since it helps draw Canadians to rural and remote communities to work and raise their families, while also providing reliable connectivity with urban centres, it plays a crucial role in a just, inclusive recovery for all, throughout the country.

Quotes

“It is important to protect our regional air transportation ecosystems for the thousands of workers employed by this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on it. We know that air connectivity to all regions is essential to healthy, inclusive economic growth, and supporting it is part of our plan to build back a stronger, more resilient economy.” 
     – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Regional airports and infrastructure are important to residents and businesses across the Prairies. They play a critical role for the economy as people depend on them for both personal and business travel and to access services in larger centres. This funding will go a long way to getting these assets back on their feet as Canada begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and we reopen our economy.” 
     – Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency)

Projects being funded:

Recipient	Location	Funding
City of Lloydminster	Lloydminster, AB	up to $   348,000
Grande Prairie Airport Commission	Grande Prairie, AB	up to $1,415,200
Regina Airport Authority	Regina, SK	up to $2,464,000
Saskatoon Airport Authority	Saskatoon, SK	up to $2,664,000
City of Brandon	Brandon, MB	up to $   455,750
City of Flin Flon	Flin Flon, MB	up to $   527,160
Thompson Regional Airport Authority	Thompson, MB	up to $   582,820
Total Funding	up to $8,456,930

Quick facts

• RATI, administered by the regional development agencies (RDAs), has a national budget of $206 million.
• The Initiative supports regional air ecosystems—which include regional air carriers and airports, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
• RATI complements measures implemented by Transport Canada.

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Regional Air Transportation Initiative
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Government of Canada investing in safety at airports in Alberta

OTTAWA, ON, May 19, 2021 /CNW/ – From traveling to medical appointments, getting goods to market, distributing PPE and medical supplies, or delivering vaccines, Canadians rely on safe and well-maintained local airports to support vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services, more so during this Covid-19 pandemic, including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue, and forest fire response.

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, today announced that the Government of Canada is making important safety investments at airports in Alberta.

Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), the Government of Canada will provide over $20 million to the following Alberta airports for safety-related projects:

Fort Chipewyan

• Rehabilitation of airside pavement – $11,021,416

Grande Prairie

• Replacement of generator and airport signage – $612,871
• Replacement of sand storage shed – $134,680

Lethbridge

• Rehabilitation of airfield pavement – $7,379,719

Lloydminster

• Purchase of a de-icing trailer – $105,000

Medicine Hat

• Rehabilitation of airfield electrical system – $957,241

For 2021-2022, Transport Canada has allocated ACAP funding to 63 airports for 86 safety-related projects,   including runway and taxiway repairs/rehabilitation, lighting enhancements, purchasing snow clearing equipment and firefighting vehicles and installing wildlife fencing.

Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over   $1.1 billion for 1,088 projects at 199 airports across the country.

Quotes

“We know how vital airports are to urban centres and remote communities. The investment our government is making will help ensure continued safe and reliable airport operations for residents, many of whom depend on their local airports not only for personal travel and business, but also for community resupply of essential goods and access to routine and emergency medical care in larger centres. This is part of how we build stronger more resilient and inclusive communities across Canada.”

The Honourable Jim Carr
Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies

“Our Government recognizes that airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities, and local airport workers. In addition to supporting personal travel, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, reliable and efficient air transportation options, and will help us deliver our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada. This is more important than ever as we work towards reopening our economies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• As announced in the Fall Economic Statement (FES) 2020, the Airports Capital Assistance Program received a one-time funding top-up of $186 million over two years.
• As well, the FES announced the temporary expansion of eligibility for the Airports Capital Assistance Program to allow National Airport System (NAS) airports with less than one million annual passengers in 2019 to apply for funding under the Program in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
• The eligible NAS airports are: Gander; Charlottetown; Saint John; Fredericton; Moncton; Thunder Bay; London; and Prince George.

Associated Links

• Airports Capital Assistance Program
• List of projects being funded in 2021-2022

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. 

WestJet to temporarily suspend service to four domestic stations

Airline to halt flights to St. John’s, London, Ont., Lloydminster and Medicine Hat as demand continues to falter from COVID-19

CALGARY, AB, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW/ – Today, WestJet announced it will temporarily suspend operations to St. John’s, N.L., London, Ont., and Lloydminster and Medicine Hat, Alta., as of March 19, until June 24, 2021.

“We have continued to operate in the face of uncertainty as domestic and international travel restrictions and quarantines have caused demand to plummet,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “Unfortunately, with new and increasingly restrictive policies, we are left once again, with no other option than to suspend service to these communities.”

With today’s announcement, flights between St. John’s and Halifax will be suspended as of March 21, while service between London, Ont., and Toronto will cease on March 22. WestJet Link service from Calgary to Lloydminster will end on March 19, and Calgary to Medicine Hat discontinued as of March 21.

“Our ability to return to markets remains directly correlated to government policies and the prioritization of a domestic travel program,” continued Sims. “As we look ahead to contributing to the economic recovery of Canada, the relationship between testing and quarantine must evolve based on data and science.”

In June 2020, WestJet announced organizational changes through its airport transformation program. As a result of the suspensions, WestJet will be working with newly established third-party service providers in St. John’s and London, Ont., and directly with Pacific Coastal Airlines for affected WestJet Link operations in Lloydminster and Medicine Hat.

WestJet continues to operate at more than a 90 per cent reduction year over year. Guests impacted will be contacted directly regarding their options for travel to and from the regions. Service is set to resume to all communities as of June 24, 2021.

Temporary Route Suspensions:

Route	Current Frequency	Service suspended from
Lloydminster – Calgary	2x weekly	March 19, 2021
St. John’s – Halifax	3x weekly	March 21, 2021
Medicine Hat – Calgary	1x weekly	March 21, 2021
London, Ont. – Toronto	4x weekly	March 22, 2021