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 to offer service between Terrace, B.C., and Calgary

WestJet Encore to provide four-times weekly service between Calgary and northwestern B.C.

CALGARY, Oct. 19, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced that it will add four-times weekly service between Terrace, B.C., and Calgary, beginning December 1, 2022.

Creating a gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities, WestJet Encore’s service to Terrace, will provide a convenient connection to WestJet’s home and largest global hub in Calgary where the airline will operate more than 800 flights per week, to more than 65 destinations around the world, in December.

“We are thrilled to provide increased capacity to support Terrace and Western B.C.’s critical projects and expanding industries,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer. “The West is our home and as we turn to an exciting new chapter of growth, we are committed to providing vital domestic connections that support the economic diversification and success of Western Canada.”

The route will operate four times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, on WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft. 

“Welcoming back WestJet’s direct service to Calgary is eagerly welcomed by all of Terrace,” said Carol Leclerc, Mayor of the City of Terrace. “Following the pandemic, the Terrace-Kitimat Airport numbers have been growing and air traffic is busy. Terrace is a key service centre for Northwest B.C. and it’s integral for our residents, businesses and industry to have access to critical services such as air travel.”

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Terrace:

Route	Frequency	Start date
Calgary – Terrace	4x weekly	Thursday, December 1, 2022
Terrace – Calgary	4x weekly	Thursday, December 1, 2022

Additional quotes:
“We’re excited to see our partner enhance access to the Northern British Columbia area with the return of this non-stop service,” Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. “The addition of WestJet Encore’s Calgary to Terrace route supports economic development that will benefit both British Columbians and Albertans. It will also provide Terrace and surrounding area residents with the opportunity to access more than 75 destinations within Canada and across the globe through WestJet’s global hub at YYC.”

“The Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat welcome’s the additional service offered by WestJet,” said Carman Hendry, Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, Airport General Manager. “This will enhance our airport’s ability to serve our region with a first-class schedule that connects Northern British Columbia to the world. “

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. 

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

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

Limited visual cues and runway conditions contributed to runway excursion of passenger aircraft in Terrace, BC

Richmond, British Columbia, 22 July 2021 — In its investigation report (A20P0013) released today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found that limited visual cues due to falling snow and a snow-covered runway contributed to the 2020 runway excursion involving a WestJet Encore De Havilland of Canada Ltd. DHC-8-402 in Terrace, British Columbia.

The occurrence aircraft on Runway 33 at Terrace Airport. Image taken approximately 9 hours after the occurrence (Source: Terrace Airport)

On 31 January 2020, a De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. DHC-8-402 aircraft was conducting WestJet Encore flight WEN3107 from Vancouver, BC to Terrace, BC with four crew members and 43 passengers on board. During the landing roll, the aircraft drifted left from the snow-cleared area of the runway and the left main landing gear exited the runway surface, travelling for approximately 400 feet before returning to the runway. During the runway excursion, the aircraft’s nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to a stop in the centre of the runway. The passengers were transported to the airport terminal by bus approximately 30 minutes after landing. No injuries were reported. The damage to the aircraft included the collapsed nose landing gear and damaged right propeller blades.

The investigation found that, given the falling snow and the snow-covered runway, there were limited visual cues available to the flight crew, which decreased their ability to accurately judge the aircraft’s lateral position once it was beyond the runway threshold. Snow clearing operations cleared the centre 100 feet of the runway, which resulted in windrows that were approximately 18 inches high along the edges of the cleared area. This reduced the pilot’s lateral maneuvering room during the landing.

It was also determined that the aircraft initially touched down 10 feet left of the centreline due to control inputs and variable wind conditions and, while the aircraft was still in a light weight-on-wheels condition, a gust contributed to a further deviation to the left until the left main landing gear came into contact with the windrow. As a result, the aircraft was pulled to the left and travelled through the uncleared portion of the runway. During the runway excursion, snow and ice became packed in the nose landing gear bay and caused structural deformation. Consequently, the nose landing gear was no longer being held in place and collapsed rearward into the fuselage, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

Finally, the investigation also determined that, if aircraft operators do not provide pilots with all the possible tools and relevant information to assess runway suitability for landing, pilots may not evaluate all potential threats and may make decisions based on incomplete or conflicting information.

Following the occurrence, WestJet Encore issued a revision to the Quick Reference Handbook on 14 February 2020 that included changes to contaminated runway operations. The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society issued a memo informing staff of changes to its Winter Maintenance Plan, which aligned the procedures with Issue 04 of Transport Canada’s Advisory Circular 302-013: Airport Winter Maintenance and Planning.

See the investigation page for more information.

Skip the long drive by flying out to your B.C. destination this summer

Thanks to CW

7 July 2021

Central Mountain Air is running non-stop flights from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the Cariboo region, the Okanagan Valley, and Central B.C.

Kelowna, B.C.Central Mountain Air

Really want to make a great escape from the city but NOT looking forward to that long car ride in the hot summer heat? Opt to hop on a plane to your getaway spot instead!

Now that non-essential travel within B.C. is encouraged again, Vancouverites can book inter-provincial non-stop flights with Central Mountain Air for a quick and affordable way to get around the province this year.

Departing from the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), passengers can fly direct from Vancouver to Campbell River, Quesnel, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George. 

Then, from Prince George, you can also fly further up Northern B.C. with routes to Fort. St. John, Fort Nelson, and Terrace.  

Campbell River, B.C. Photo: Central Mountain Air.

Here’s a quick primer of the cities that Central Mountain Air currently flies to from Vancouver.  

• On the east coast of Vancouver Island, the oceanside community of Campbell River and the Discovery Islands are renowned for its spectacular mountains, west coast woodlands, Elk Falls Provincial Park and Suspension Bridge, whale watching, and salmon fishing at Discovery Pier.
   
• Located along a pivotal mining trail of the Cariboo Gold Rush, Quesnel is home to B.C. heritage spots such as the Alexander Mackenzie hiking trail and the original 1867 Hudson’s Bay Company Trading Post in Riverfront Park.
   
• The sunny canyon city of Kamloops in B.C.’s Interior is a four-season playground with long summers for hiking, biking, and water adventures. Go kayaking on one of Kamloops’ 100+ lakes and embark on outdoor adventures at Sun Peaks Resort.
   
• Located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is the Okanagan Valley’s largest city and is known for local vineyards and wineries, sandy beaches, surrounding provincial parks, and bustling downtown area — making it the perfect destination for urban and rural experiences.
   
• The largest city in Northern B.C, Prince George is full of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from mountain biking through pristine rainforests to fishing in the endless network of streams, lakes, and rivers. It’s also the basecamp for venturing into Northeastern B.C. and Northwestern B.C. towards Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, and Terrace.  

Fly with CMA! Photo: Central Mountain Air.

Connecting B.C. communities with ease and convenience since 1987, the independent Western Canadian airline is giving local B.C. residents a chance to go back to travelling and exploring their backyard. 

And, to further ensure that you can book your flight with confidence, Central Mountain Air has extended their COVID-19 flexible booking and cancellation policy until July 31st for travel through to November 7th, so you can have peace of mind knowing you can make changes to your flight reservation if you need to. ⁠

For more info, visit flycma.com/schedule.

Central Mountain Air Releases Summer Flight Schedule

(SMITHERS, BC May 11, 2021) Central Mountain Air responds to the need to provide air service to communities by adding 78 flights per week. 

Grande Prairie, High Level and Quesnel added to network.

Flights per weeks
8 – Edmonton YEG | Fort St John YXJ
8 – Edmonton YEG | Grande Prairie YQU
4 – Edmonton YEG | High Level YOJ
4 – Edmonton YEG | Prince George YXS
5 – Edmonton YEG | Fort Nelson YYE
5 – Edmonton YEG | Terrace YXT
5 – Kamloops YKA | Prince George YXS
5 – Kamloops YKA | Fort Nelson YYE
6 – Kamloops YKA | Fort St John YXJ
6 – Kamloops YKA | Terrace YXT
5 – Kelowna YLW | Prince George YXS
5 – Kelowna YLW | Fort Nelson YYE
6 – Kelowna YLW | Fort St John YXJ
6 – Kelowna YLW | Terrace YXT
4 – Prince George YXS | Fort Nelson YYE
5 – Prince George YXS | Fort St John YXJ
5 – Prince George YXS | Terrace YXT
4 – Prince George YXS | Grande Prairie YQU
4 – Quesnel YQZ | Castlegar YCG
6 – Vancouver YVR | Castlegar YCG
3 – Vancouver YVR | Kamloops YKA
3 – Vancouver YVR | Kelowna YLW
5 – Vancouver YVR | Quesnel YQZ
6 – Vancouver YVR | Prince George YXS
6 – Vancouver YVR | Edmonton YEG
6 – Vancouver YVR | Fort Nelson YYE
7 – Vancouver YVR | Fort St John YXJ
7 – Vancouver YVR | Terrace YXT

Central Mountain Air (CMA) announced today that it will increase its scheduled service by 78 flights per week beginning June 28th, 2021, and continuing through to November 6, 2021. Many of these flights will service connections that were originally suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CMA is also expanding the available days of the week on their existing schedule, with an emphasis on new Friday and Sunday flight options.

 “CMA has been contacted by both individuals and community leaders to provide service to enable their communities to recover and receive air connectivity after scheduled service reduced over 80% due to COVID-19. I commend these municipalities and airports for their willingness to partner and support their regions to help make this announcement today,” commented Michael Claeren, Central Mountain Air’s Head of Commercial.  

 “These communities are concerned about their future as they face the prospect of being left without or with limited air service, especially at a time when their regional economies have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding hardship.”  

 Although COVID-19 rates are still high, CMA is optimistic that essential travel guidance will be eased as British Columbia, Alberta, and Canada continue on the road to recovery with more vaccines being administered daily. CMA will still offer a flexible booking and cancellation policy for bookings until June 20th, 2021 for travel through to November 7th, 2021. 

 Bob Cummings, CEO added, “CMA will apply the same operational discipline for which it has a reputation to all the new routes and capacity. This will help nurse communities back to full recovery as the pandemic subsides. While many of the affected regional cities have been impacted by this announcement there are more cities and services to come.”

CMA is the independent regional airline leader in British Columbia and Alberta with 29 aircraft and looks forward to more fully utilizing that fleet.  

To celebrate their summer flight schedule launch, CMA is offering 10% off base airfares using promo code SUMMER21.

The promo code is valid for all scheduled flights starting June 01, 2021 with no blackout periods. This deal is only available on bookings through the CMA website and is not available through your travel agent. CMA has extended its Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policy for bookings until June 20, 2021 for travel through to November 7, 2021 to give you peace of mind when making your booking.  

Book from May 11, 2021 until May 25, 2021 @ 11:59PM PST 

For travel between June 01, 2021, and November 6, 2021 

See CMA’s full schedule at flycma.com/schedule

About Central Mountain Air Ltd.  

Established in 1987, CMA is a Western Canadian privately owned and operated company. CMA provides scheduled flights to twelve communities, cargo to ten, and charter flights throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada. For more information, and to learn about CMA’s enhanced COVID-19 safety procedures, visit flycma.com.