WestJet announces largest network expansion from Edmonton in airline’s history with launch of new U.S. routes and enhanced domestic connectivity

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.”  

–  Malcom Bruce, Edmonton Global, Chief Executive Officer

 “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 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 brings new U.S. destinations and enhanced domestic connectivity to summer schedule as airline’s new growth strategy takes flight

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 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 brings back the heat this Winter

Airline to return 17 sun and leisure routes suspended during pandemic to destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S.

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 8, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated the return of 17 sun routes to its network this winter. The returning routes which were suspended for more than two years, bring enhanced connectivity and vacation options for Canadians and communities across the airline’s network.

“The restart of these routes is another positive step in the restoration our network as we solidify WestJet as the reliable, friendly and affordable airline we are known to be,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We recognize the past three winters have been disruptive to our guests travel plans and we look forward to reconnecting Canadians to some of the warmer destinations they have missed the most.”

The airline today also announced new six-times weekly regional service between Penticton, B.C., and Vancouver beginning on February 17, 2023 on WestJet Link along with the restart of domestic connectivity between Edmonton and Nanaimo, B.C.

Highlights from WestJet’s winter schedule release:

Sun and Leisure, Transborder and Transatlantic:

• Restart of 17 sun and leisure routes suspended since 2019
• 45 per cent increase to sun and leisure flights from winter 2021
• 60 per cent increase in transborder flights from winter 2021
• 25 per cent increase in transatlantic flights from winter 2021

WestJet’s investments in sun, transborder and leisure flying are growing across the country with:

• A 50% increase in flights from Central/Eastern Canada from winter 2021
• A 55% increase in flights from Western Canada from winter 2021

Network-wide:

• 65 per cent increase in flights to/from Winnipeg (YWG) from winter 2021
• 50 per cent increase in flights to/from Edmonton (YEG) from winter 2021
• 35 per cent increase in flights to/from Vancouver (YVR) from winter 2021
• 30 per cent increase in flights to/from Calgary (YYC) from winter 2021
• 10 per cent increase in flights to/from Toronto (YYZ) from winter 2021

Domestic:

• New domestic connection between Vancouver and Penticton, B.C., on WestJet Link
• Restart of Edmonton-Nanaimo route suspended since 2019
• 25 per cent overall increase in flights network-wide domestically from winter 2021

Transborder Restarts:

Route	Restart Date	Peak Frequency	Operated By
Kelowna – Phoenix	November 16, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Saskatoon – Las Vegas	November 10, 2022	2x Weekly	WestJet
Saskatoon – Orlando*	December 16, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Regina – Las Vegas	November 10, 2022	2x Weekly	WestJet
Regina – Orlando	December 16, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Vancouver – Orlando	November 12, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Winnipeg – Phoenix	October 31, 2022	2x Weekly	WestJet
St. John’s – Tampa Bay	March 19, 2023	1x Weekly	WestJet

*Operated on very limited basis in 2021

Carribean, Mexico, Central American Restarts:

Route	Restart Date	Peak Frequency	Operated By
Calgary – Belize City	November 18, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Calgary – Nassau	November 26, 2022	1x weekly	WestJet
Calgary – Varadero	November 5, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Comox – Puerto Vallarta	November 5, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Ottawa – Montego Bay	November 12, 2022	2x Weekly	WestJet
Regina – Cancun*	November 13, 2022	2x Weekly	WestJet
Toronto – Cayo Coco	November 5, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Toronto – Samana	December 17, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet
Winnipeg – Montego Bay	December 17, 2022	1x Weekly	WestJet

*Operated on very limited basis in 2021

Domestic Routes:

Route	Start Date	Frequency	Operated by
Vancouver – Penticton*	February 17, 2023	6x Weekly	WestJet Link
Edmonton – Nanaimo	October 30, 2022	3x Weekly	WestJet Encore

*new route

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 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 westjet.com.  

Air Canada Affirms Market Leadership by Expanding its North American Network this Summer as Recovery Accelerates

• Seven New Routes launching from three Canadian hubs
• Restoration of 41 North American routes, return to 11 North American cities
• Air Canada offers the most seats, frequencies of any Canadian carrier with 90% of its pre-pandemic North American capacity this summer
• Air Canada’s leadership and unique extensive network will stimulate the recovery of the travel and tourism industry

MONTREAL, Feb. 22, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced an expansion of its North American network for Summer 2022 as the carrier’s recovery from COVID accelerates. With the launch of new service on four transborder and three domestic routes, as well as the restoration of 41 North American routes, Air Canada will operate to 51 Canadian and 46 U.S airports this summer and offer customers the largest network and most travel options of any Canadian carrier.

New services will be launching to the U.S. from Montreal to Atlanta and Detroit, Toronto to Salt Lake City, and Vancouver to Austin. Within Canada, three new routes will begin between Montreal and Gander, Calgary and Fort St John, and Vancouver and Halifax. Additionally, service will be restored on 41 North American routes, including: 13 routes from Toronto, nine from Montreal, five from Ottawa, five from Vancouver, four from Calgary, three from Halifax, and two from Edmonton. The routes are timed to connect with Air Canada’s domestic, U.S. and international network at the airline’s global hubs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.  

“Canadians are ready to travel, and we’re excited to be offering a very significant growth in our schedule this summer. With our recovery accelerating and North American flying reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels this summer, we are offering more options across the continent, including seven new city pairs from our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hubs, and the resumption of 41 suspended or previously announced new routes. These changes will also grow and cement our position as the leading carrier of choice in the transborder market, with the most non-stop flying between Canada and the U.S. and as the foreign carrier with the most service to the U.S. Moreover, our revitalized North American network, designed to connect easily with our global network, gives customers by far the widest choice of routings and destinations of any Canadian carrier this summer,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

“To match our unrivalled network, we are also enhancing our award-winning airport and onboard services. All 23 of our Maple Leaf Lounges are now open, with new features such as ordering from your seat for safety and greater convenience, and we have introduced a range of touchless airport services that make the check-in and boarding process more convenient. Customers can also benefit from our transformed Aeroplan program, which offers members greater value and flexibility when redeeming reward travel. And, of course, all customers will enjoy Air Canada’s industry leading customer service, recognized at the most recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, where our people won for Best Airline Employees in Canada and in North America.”

Award Winning Service

Select routes will feature wide-body aircraft with Air Canada Signature Class, with lie flat seating, and Premium Economy. Seats in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.

Air Canada’s onboard services on flights greater than two hours feature new Economy Class Bistro selections, including products by Canadian brands and partners, such as meals inspired by celebrated Montreal Chef Jerome Ferrer.

All customers can collect and redeem points through 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.

New Transborder and Domestic Routes 

Flight	From	To	Frequency	Start Date
AC 799	Toronto	Salt Lake City	Thu, Sat, Sun	02 JUN
AC 8567 AC 8569	Montreal	Atlanta	Double Daily	01 JUN
AC 8581 AC 8583	Montreal	Detroit	Double Daily	01 JUN
AC 1062	Vancouver	Austin	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	01 JUN
AC 7900	Montreal	Gander	Daily	25 JUN
AC 362	Vancouver	Halifax	Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun	01 MAY
AC 8453	Calgary	Fort St. John	Daily	01 MAY

Returning and Previously Announced New Routes

Flight	From	To	Frequency	Start Date
AC 8680 AC 8682	Toronto	Baltimore	Double Daily	15 MAY
AC 8745 AC 8747	Toronto	Charlotte	Double Daily	01 MAY
AC 8705AC 8707	Toronto	Cincinnati	Double Daily	01 MAY
AC 8895AC 8897	Toronto	Indianapolis	Double Daily	15 MAY
AC 513	Toronto	Portland	Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri	27 JUN
AC 8795 AC 8797	Toronto	St. Louis	Double Daily	07 MAY
AC 8590	Toronto	Hartford	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8917	Toronto	Milwaukee	Daily	01 JUL
AC 8677	Toronto	New Orleans	Daily	01 JUL
AC 8865	Toronto	Kansas City	Daily	01 JUL
AC 1941	Toronto	Fort McMurray	Tues, Thu, Sat	03 MAY
AC 1975	Toronto	Nanaimo	Mon, Wed, Fri	29 JUN
AC 8410	Toronto	Gander	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8791	Montreal	Pittsburgh	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8735	Montreal	Raleigh	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8759	Montreal	Baltimore	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8771	Montreal	Nashville	Thu, Fri, Sat	02 JUN
AC 1285	Montreal	Phoenix	Tue, Sat	03 MAY
AC 527	Montreal	San Diego	Wed, Fri, Sun	20 MAY
AC 515	Montreal	Seattle	Daily	31 MAY
AC 1685	Montreal	Victoria	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat	03 JUN
AC 8543	Montreal	Regina	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8545	Montreal	Saskatoon	Daily	01 MAY
AC 532	Vancouver	Boston	Daily	04 JUN
AC 8596	Vancouver	Sacramento	Daily	01 JUN
AC 539	Vancouver	Anchorage	Daily	07 MAY
AC 8482	Vancouver	Yellowknife	Daily	01 JUN
AC 1870	Vancouver	Quebec	Mon, Wed, Fri	02 MAY
AC 8869	Ottawa	Washington-Reagan	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8109	Ottawa	Winnipeg	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8182	Ottawa	Charlottetown	Daily	01 JUN
AC 8098	Ottawa	Quebec City	Daily	01 JUN
AC 7701 AC 7705 AC 7709 AC 7711	Ottawa	Toronto Island	Up to 4 times Daily	01 MAY
AC 8661	Halifax	Boston	Daily	24 JUN
AC 8549	Halifax	Goose Bay	Daily	30 APR
AC 584	Calgary	New York-Newark	Daily	01 MAY
AC 392	Calgary	Halifax	Daily	30 APR
AC 1872	Calgary	Quebec	Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun	01 MAY
AC 8289	Calgary	Castlegar	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8563	Edmonton	San Francisco	Daily	01 MAY
AC 8113	Edmonton	Yellowknife	Daily	01 JUN

Air Canada may continue to adjust its schedule as more opportunities arise or based on COVID-19’s trajectory and the further easing of government travel restrictions.

Travel Policy: Book with confidence

Air Canada’s new refund policy is applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.

To book your next trip and for most updated schedule, visit aircanada.com.

Travelling internationally? Visit our Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

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. 

Multiple crews tackle brush fire southwest of Nanaimo Airport

From CKPGToday.ca – link to source story – thanks CW

Crews are fighting a small wildfire southwest of Nanaimo Airport in the Mt. Hayes area. (submitted photo/Mark Stewart)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff | August 19, 2021

NANAIMO — Crews from the BC Wildfire Service and local volunteer fire departments are dealing with a small fire southwest of Nanaimo Airport.

Reports of the fire began around 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19 with a visible plume of smoke extending from the forest west of Hwy. 1 in the Mt. Hayes area.

Gordon Robinson, Coastal Fire Centre information officer, told NanaimoNewsNOW the fire is two hectares in size and burning out of control approximately 2.5 kilometres west of the highway.

“It is not currently threatening any structures but BC Wildfire Service is responding with ten personnel, four helicopters, two water tenders and air tankers.”

Robinson said the fire is considered a rank 2-3 fire, which means “the fire is not smoldering on the ground, it’s actively burning on the surface maybe in places starting to make its way up into the trees.”

The fire is not currently threatening any structures and no evacuations are being considered.

Crews from multiple local volunteer fire departments are augmenting the provincial resources.

North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department said they have a duty officer on scene with one engine working up Mt. Hayes. Other departments were called to the scene for a variety of firefighting and support roles.

Witnesses on scene said two helicopters arrived early to fight the fire, along with a bomber plane dropping fire retardant.

A thick plume of smoke is visible from near Nanaimo Airport stemming from the Mt. Hayes fire, southwest of the runway. (submitted photo/Jen Kennedy)

Despite a higher-than-normal year for fire starts in the Coastal Fire Centre, the number of hectares burning is down signficantly.

The only other fire currently listed on the mid-Island is the on-going Copper Creek fire, which crews have under control and have held at 32 hectares since it sparked Friday, Aug. 6.

— More to come.

Vancouver Island airports part of $11.7-million federal injection package

From Comox Valley Record – link to source story – Thanks CW

The Victoria International Airport is one of three Vancouver Island regional airports receiving federal funding this summer, the government announced July 30. (Black Press Media file photo)

Funding aims to help Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley airports maintain regional connectivity

PENINSULA NEWS STAFF | Jul 30, 2021

Victoria International Airport is among 11 B.C. airports receiving an injection of federal dollars this summer.

In a statement Friday (July 30), the government announced $11,721,721 in funding through its regional air transportation initiative to help ensure connectivity and jobs to and from smaller regions in the province.

The Victoria airport (YYJ) will receive the largest sum, nearly $3 million.

“This funding announcement is welcome news which will assist YYJ to reinstate lost air service, attract new air service, build passenger demand and continue to operate a safe and efficient airport with world class safety and health standards,” said Victoria Airport Authority president/CEO Geoff Dickson.

“Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”

YYJ has seen an enormous drop in traffic during the pandemic, plummeting from nearly two million passengers through its doors in 2019 to less than 600,000 in 2020. Although there has been a small degree of bounce back in the last couple of months, numbers continue to sit at record lows. In June, 12,746 passengers went through the airport, compared to 169,825 in 2019.

Nanaimo will receive funding in two areas: approximately $1.38 million for the airport commission and $346,000 for the Port Authority. The Comox Valley Airport Commission has funding of about $1.1 million heading its way.

The remaining regions include Prince Rupert, Bella Coola, Prince George, Kamloops, Fort St. John, Golden, Terrace and Cassidy.

“Regional airports and infrastructure are critical components of the B.C. economy, both for trade and for the travel that many Canadians are starting to look forward to as we emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will go a long way towards getting these assets back on their feet,” said Terry Beech, parliamentary secretary to the fisheries and economic development ministers.

Eleven regional airports in British Columbia receiving up to $11.7 million to maintain regional connectivity and jobs

Targeted Government of Canada support will be provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada

VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Regional air transportation is crucial to ensure merchandise circulates, supply chains are maintained, and regional economic growth continues. The pandemic has had major impacts on regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting economies, communities, and local businesses.

BC’s regional airports get an economic boost (CNW Group/Western Economic Diversification Canada)

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 to contribute to regional economic growth, while adapting to new post-COVID-19 realities and requirements.

B.C. airports to benefit from funding

With this in mind, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $11,721,721 in RATI funding for 11 regional airports in B.C.

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 for the thousands of workers employed by this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on it. Air connectivity makes our regions accessible to Canadians who want to settle there and is key in moving our businesses’ products to their destination markets. That’s why, as part of our plan for a strong economic recovery, our government supports this connectivity, indispensable to healthy, inclusive growth.”

–       The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

“Regional airports and infrastructure are critical components of the B.C. economy, both for trade and for the travel that many Canadians are starting to look forward to as we emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will go a long way towards getting these assets back on their feet and ready to deliver on the needs of British Columbians as we look towards a brighter future.”

–       Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.)

“Victoria International Airport is a vital economic generator for the Greater Victoria Region. The pandemic has been financially devastating to the airport industry and aviation sector as a whole. This funding announcement is welcome news which will assist YYJ to reinstate lost air service, attract new air service, build passenger demand, and continue to operate a safe and efficient airport with world class safety and health standards. Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”  

–       Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority

“We are grateful for this funding. It is essential to help continue our operations and ensure that we continue to be the gateway to Northern British Columbia. The Prince George Airport is a hub for not only passenger services but also medevac, RCMP, aerial search and rescue, and wildfire fighting services for Northern and remote communities.”

–       Gordon Duke, President and CEO, Prince George Airport Authority

Projects being funded:

Legal Name	City	Funding
Prince Rupert Airport Authority	Prince Rupert	$503,427
Comox Valley Airport Commission	Comox	$1,094,406
Victoria Airport Authority	Sidney	$2,998,672
Central Coast Regional District	Bella Coola	$328,322
Prince George Airport Authority Inc.	Prince George	$1,297,965
Kamloops Airport Authority Society	Kamloops	$1,256,378
North Peace Airport Society	Fort St. John	$1,212,750
The Corporation of the Town of Golden	Golden	$120,000
Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society	Terrace	$1,183,053
Nanaimo Airport Commission	Cassidy	$1,380,916
Nanaimo Port Authority	Nanaimo	$345,832
Total:	$11,721,721

Quick facts

• The 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.
• The RATI complements measures implemented by Transport Canada.

Associated links

• Regional Air Transportation Initiative
• Western Economic Diversification Canada
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

WestJet launches new routes to multiple Vancouver Island airports

From CHEK News – link to source story – thanks to CW

July 1, 2021 NICHOLAS PESCOD/CHEK NEWS

NICHOLAS PESCOD/CHEK NEWS

WestJet recently launched four new non-stop flights from three Vancouver Island airports and restored previously cancelled service on six other Island routes.

As travel restrictions continue to loosen across the province, the nation’s second-largest airline has launched four new routes to airports across Vancouver Island.

WestJet recently launched four new non-stop flights from three Vancouver Island airports and restored previously cancelled service on six other Island routes.

The new direct routes are Comox–Toronto, Victoria–Ottawa, Victoria–Saskatoon, and Victoria–Winnipeg.

WestJet has also restored service on its Comox–Edmonton, Comox–Vancouver, Nanaimo–Vancouver, Victoria–Toronto, and Victoria–Kelowna routes, which they had cancelled due to the pandemic.

The airline also brought back long-desired direct flights between Nanaimo and Edmonton, following a five-year hiatus.

All of the routes are now in operation, with Victoria–Toronto flights resuming June 30.

“We have been talking to a lot of people and we are listening to what investments Vancouver Island wants and needs and all of these routes have been planned in advance,” Morgan Bell, media spokesperson for WestJet, told CHEK News. “It’s exciting that they are now going to fully take flight.”

With British Columbia reopening and the demand for domestic travel slowly increasing, Bell says it’s only natural for the company to not only restore cancelled routes but launch new ones.

“Canadians are going to travel domestically this summer and inbound tourism to Vancouver Island is important,” Bell explained. “While I know everybody loves to stay on Vancouver Island, there are also people from Vancouver Island that want to get back out and connect with friends and family across the country and other places.”

Comox gets direct flights to Toronto, Edmonton flights return to Nanaimo

Perhaps the most eye-catching of the new routes is the non-stop service between Comox and Toronto, which operates on a weekly basis — at least for now.

“The hope is that as more and more people begin flying again and these flights get full, we’ll add more service,” said Bell.

The new route launched June 26 — just as Air Canada restarted non-stop service between Canada’s most populated city and nearby Nanaimo — and brings the total number of airports on Vancouver Island with direct Toronto flights to three.

“It’s going to be great to see a major city like Toronto connect directly into Comox,” said Bell.

Another notable route is Nanaimo to Edmonton, which began operations on June 25 and runs twice a week. Although it was listed as a new route in the company’s press release, WestJet briefly operated non-stop flights between the two cities in early 2016 but cancelled them after only three months due to the economic downturn in Alberta.

Bell says WestJet is thrilled to restart service after more than five years, explaining that there has been no shortage of demand for service between the two regions.

“There’s so much interest in northern Alberta that’s coming through the Edmonton airport from Nanaimo, and also guests from Vancouver Island going into Edmonton,” she said. “There are pretty strong connections between the two cities, so it’s great to see that route come back.”

While the restoration of old routes and the addition of new routes, may seem like a lot, Bell says WestJet is still operating well below pre-pandemic levels.

“We’re still at 60 per cent reduction in terms of capacity from what would have been 2019. In July 2019, we were operating about 600 flights a day, and this July, we’re only looking at about 300,” she said. “We still have a really long way to go.”

Airport, flying experience will be different amid the pandemic

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With an increasing number of people becoming comfortable with the idea of getting on a plane after more than a year on the ground, Bell says those who are planning on taking to the skies should be prepared for some changes.

“It’s definitely very different. I took my first flight today in six months, and it felt very different,” she said.

That’s because airports have implemented new rules and safety measures throughout the pandemic such as mandatory mask-wearing, dedicated entrance and exit flow, and increased cleaning throughout terminals. Victoria International Airport, for example, is limiting access to its terminal building to just passengers with tickets, though there are some exceptions.

“While we’re restoring all this and people are excited to get on the move again, we also understand that it’s going to be a new experience for them,” said Bell. “I mean, people haven’t been in an airport for potentially 18 months.”

“I think it’s going to be a good experience, but it’s also going to be something that people need to prepare for and be ready for.”

As a result, Bell suggests people read all the rules and travel requirements well before their flight and arrive at the airport even earlier than the recommended 90 minutes prior to departure.

“We’re still in the pandemic, there are new rules, and there are different screening points and security points to get through,” she said. “So, I would just always say give yourself extra time and just be willing and flexible to adapt to any changes that come your way.”

WestJet reconnecting routes across British Columbia

Airline to restart eight routes and inaugurate new flights between nine communitiesby early July

CALGARY, AB, June 25, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet is further restoring British Columbia’s domestic and interprovincial connectivity with the restart of eight routes to and from destinations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The airline is also set to inaugurate 10 new routes by July 5, 2021. Full schedule details and resumption dates are outlined below.

“We continue to work towards the restoration of our pre-COVID domestic network to ensure that when our guests are ready to travel, we are there for them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet remains committed to building back stronger for the betterment of all Canadians and as we look ahead to reconnecting friends, family and loved ones, the safe restart of travel is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.”

WestJet’s investments are critical to ensuring British Columbia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and by the end of June, the airline is set to inaugurate new flights between Abbotsford and Prince George and restore WestJet Link service between Vancouver and Cranbrook.

“As a leader in aviation, WestJet has been working with industry, tourism and business across the province to ensure their voices are being heard as we safely restart travel. We thank Premier Horgan and his government for prioritizing travel as a critical component of the government’s restart plan. While progress has been made in British Columbia, we continue to advocate for safe travel framework from the Government of Canada,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President.

This July, WestJet will offer non-stop service from Vancouver to 18 cities, from Victoria to eight cities, from Kelowna to seven cities, from Comox to four cities and from Nanaimo to three cities. From the communities of Kamloops, Penticton and Prince George, the airline will connect to two communities non-stop.

Love Where You’re Going Again – WestJet’s Latest Video

For more than 17 months, Canadians from coast-to-coast have been separated from the people and places they love. WestJet’s latest brand moment is a reminder to Canadians that it’s time to love where they’re going, again.

British Columbia route restarts between now and June 30, 2021

Route	Peak Frequency	Route restart date
Victoria – Winnipeg *	3x weekly	June 24, 2021
Kelowna – Regina *	2x weekly	June 24, 2021
Nanaimo – Vancouver	2x daily	June 25, 2021
Nanaimo – Edmonton *	2x weekly	June 25, 2021
Comox – Vancouver	2x daily	June 25, 2021
Kelowna – Saskatoon *	2x weekly	June 25, 2021
Kelowna – Victoria	4x weekly	June 25, 2021
Vancouver – Cranbrook	1x daily	June 25, 2021
Abbotsford – Prince George *	2x weekly	June 25, 2021
Prince George – Calgary	4x weekly	June 25, 2021
Victoria – Ottawa *	1x weekly	June 26, 2021
Comox – Edmonton	5x weekly	June 26, 2021
Comox – Toronto *	1x weekly	June 26, 2021
Victoria – Saskatoon *	2x weekly	June 27, 2021
Victoria – Toronto	2x weekly	June 30, 2021
Penticton – Edmonton *	2x weekly	July 4, 2021
Kamloops – Edmonton *	2x weekly	July 5, 2021
Vancouver – Fort St. John	4x weekly	July 13, 2021

*New Route

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 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.