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Category: Saskatoon YXE

  • Air Canada adds Tulum and Charleston to Global Network; Boosts Capacity on Key North American Markets in Summer 2024 as Airline Continues Strategic Network Growth

    • First Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum, Mexico’s newest international airport, and to Charleston, SC
    • New Montreal to Austin and St. Louis flights
    • Increased frequencies on key Canadian domestic routes and early resumption of popular seasonal routes

    MONTREAL, Dec. 14, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada today announced it is boosting its North American network capacity for summer 2024 with the addition of two new destinations, five new routes, increased flight frequencies on key routes, and earlier resumption of popular seasonal routes in response to projected demand. Air Canada becomes the first Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum*, with flights from Toronto and Montreal to the newest airport in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, and to Charleston, SC from Toronto. Seats are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada app, Air Canada’s contact centres and through travel agents. Flights to Tulum will be available for sale on December 15.

    Air Canada is the first Canadian airline to offer service to Tulum, Mexico’s newest international airport, and to Charleston, SC. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

    “We are excited to add two brand new destinations to our global network, Tulum, Mexico from our Toronto and Montreal hubs, and Charleston, South Carolina from Toronto, plus new Austin and St. Louis flights from Montreal in summer 2024. These new destinations and routes reflect Air Canada’s market leadership and network diversification strategy of adding capacity to in-demand leisure destinations such as Tulum and fast-growing, key metropolitan areas in the US,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

    “We are also very pleased to grow our North American network from coast to coast with additional frequencies in key markets including Ottawa, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, in regional markets, and by resuming major seasonal routes earlier. By adding scale to our Canadian hubs, we are offering more travel choices and unparalleled access to and from our worldwide network. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

    For summer 2024, Air Canada will be serving 120 destinations in Canada, the US and the Caribbean with up to 520 flights every day, translating to approximately 66,000 seats being dispatched, representing an increase of 5% percent North America and Caribbean seat capacity from 2023.

    New destination: Tulum*, Mexico

    “I celebrate this great announcement from Air Canada. Without connectivity there is no tourism, and the two new routes to the new Tulum International Airport, which is ready to receive five million passengers, will boost the arrival of tourists from our second most important source market for international tourists,” stated Lic. Miguel Torruco Marqués, Secretario de Turismo, Mexico.

    FlightFromToDepartsArrivesDays of
    Operation    		Operation
    AC1854Toronto (YYZ)Tulum (TQO)08:1511:20Fri, SunYear-round, begins May 3
    AC1855Tulum (TQO)Toronto (YYZ)12:3017:35Fri, SunYear-round, begins May 3
    AC1874Montreal (YUL)Tulum (TQO)08:1512:00SatYear-round, begins May 4
    AC1875Tulum (TQO)Montreal (YUL)13:1018:45SatYear-round, begins May 4
    *subject to government approval

    New destination: Charleston, SC

    “Charleston International Airport is delighted to welcome the addition of Toronto as an international destination, made possible by the introduction of Air Canada’s daily flights providing a seamless link between Canada’s largest metropolitan area and the Charleston Lowcountry. Not only does the new service connect two of the top cosmopolitan destinations worldwide, renowned for their extraordinary landmarks, rich culture, entertainment and leisure adventures, this route offers customers unmatched travel options and conveniences, whether travelling for leisure, visiting friends and family, or for business,” said Elliott Summey, Executive Director and CEO at Charleston International Airport.

    “Air Canada’s announcement is a major milestone for our industry, the Charleston region and beyond. International visitation is integral to a healthy and sustainable tourism economy. While Canada is consistently our top country of origin for international visitors, we know there is tremendous untapped potential in the market. Beyond increasing access for leisure travelers, the daily, nonstop service creates more opportunity to recruit group business and provides improved connectivity for Charleston area residents traveling to Canada and other international destinations served through Air Canada’s Toronto hub,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and Chair of the Aviation Authority Board.  

    FlightFromToDepartsArrivesDays of
    Operation    		Operation
    AC8629Toronto (YYZ)Charleston (CHS)18:4020:58DailyYear-round, begins March 28
    AC8628Charleston (CHS)Toronto (YYZ)10:0012:21DailyYear-round, begins, March 29

    Other New Flights:

    • Air Canada is adding additional new flights to Austin and St. Louis from its Montreal hub, complementing its flights from Toronto and Vancouver to Austin, and from Toronto to St. Louis.
    FlightFromToDepartsArrivesDays of
    Operation    		Operation
    AC1051Montreal (YUL)Austin (AUS)17:1520:32Mon, Tue, Thur, SatYear-round, begins May 2
    AC1050Austin (AUS)Montreal (YUL)10:1515:13Sun, Tue, Wed, FriYear-round, begins May 3
    AC8687Montreal (YUL)St. Louis (STL)19:3021:05DailySummer, begins May 1
    AC8688St. Louis (STL)Montreal (YUL)12:0015:23DailySummer, begins May 2

    North America Summer 2024 service improvements:

    • Air Canada is boosting its North American network from coast to coast with more flights added on major routes, and by resuming seasonal routes earlier.  
    • To meet projected demand, additional flights have been added to key markets including in Ottawa, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as to growing regional markets.
    Montreal HubPeak summer 2024 service improvements
    compared to summer 2023 and seasonal
    resumptions
    Montreal (YUL) – Boston (BOS)Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
    Montreal (YUL) – Las Vegas (LAS)Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
    Montreal (YUL) – Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
    Montreal (YUL) – Phoenix (PHX)Increases to 5 weekly flights from 3
    Montreal (YUL) – Pittsburgh (PIT)Resumes May 1, daily flights
    Montreal (YUL) – Raleigh/Durham (RDU)Resumes May 1, daily flights
    Montreal (YUL) – San Diego (SAN)Resumes May 1, daily flights
    Montreal (YUL) – Edmonton (YEG)Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
    Montreal (YUL) – Gander (YQX)Resumes June 14, daily flights
    Montreal (YUL) – Iles de La Madeleine (YGR)Resumes May 17, daily flights
    Montreal (YUL) – Victoria (YYJ)Increases to 5 weekly flights from 3
    Toronto HubPeak summer 2024 service improvements
    compared to summer 2023 and seasonal
    resumptions
    Toronto (YYZ) – Kansas City (MCI)Resumes June 1, daily flights
    Toronto (YYZ) – Nashville (BNA)Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
    Toronto (YYZ) – Phoenix (PHX)Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
    Toronto (YYZ) – Portland (PDX)Resumes May 1, daily flights
    Toronto (YYZ) – Nassau (NAS)Increases to 6 weekly flights from 4
    Toronto (YYZ) – Sacramento (SMF)Resumes May 1, 5 weekly flights
    Toronto (YYZ) – Salt Lake City (SLC)Resumes May 1, 4 weekly flights
    Toronto (YYZ) – Gander (YQX)Resumes June 1, daily flights
    Toronto (YYZ) – Vancouver (YVR)Increases to 14 daily flights from 13
    Toronto (YYZ) – Victoria (YYJ)Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
    Vancouver HubPeak summer 2024 service improvements
    compared to summer 2023 and seasonal
    resumptions
    Vancouver (YVR) – Anchorage (ANC)Resumes May 14, daily flights
    Vancouver (YVR) – Austin (AUS)Resumes May 1, increases 4 weekly flights from 2 weekly
    Vancouver (YVR) – Portland (PDX)Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
    Vancouver (YVR) – Washington Dulles (IAD)Increases to daily from 5 weekly
    Vancouver (YVR) – San Diego (SAN)Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
    Vancouver (YVR) – Sacramento (SMF)Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
    Vancouver (YVR) – Cranbrook (YXC)Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
    Vancouver (YVR) – Fort St. John (YXJ)Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
    Vancouver (YVR) – Halifax (YHZ)Resumes May 1, 2 daily flights
    Vancouver (YVR) – Prince George (YXS)Increases to 4 daily flights from 3
    Vancouver (YVR) – Terrace (YXT)Increases to 5 daily flights from 4
    Vancouver (YVR) – Toronto (YYZ)Increases to 14 daily flights from 13
    Vancouver (YVR) – Smithers (YYD)Increases to 2 daily flights from 1
    Routes from SaskatchewanPeak summer 2024 service improvements
    compared to summer 2023 and seasonal
    resumptions
    Regina (YQR) – Toronto (YYZ)Increases to 4 daily non-stop flights from 3 daily
    Regina (YQR) – Montreal (YUL)Resumes June 1, daily non-stop standalone flights from one-stop
    Saskatoon (YXE) – Toronto (YYZ)Increases to 4 daily non-stop flights from 3 daily
    Saskatoon (YXE) – Montreal (YUL)Resumes June 2, daily non-stop standalone flights from one-stop
    Saskatoon (YXE) – Vancouver (YVR)Increases to 4 daily flights from 3 daily
    Routes from other airportsPeak summer 2024 service improvements
    compared to summer 2023 and seasonal
    resumptions
    Ottawa (YOW) – Washington-National (DCA)Resumes May 1, daily flights
    Ottawa (YOW) – Calgary (YYC)Resumes May 1, daily flights
    Ottawa (YOW) – Winnipeg (YWG)Resumes May 1, daily flights
    Ottawa (YOW) – Vancouver (YVR)Operating 3 daily flights – including 1 flight with 787 Dreamliner
    Halifax (YHZ) – St. Johns (YYT)Increases to 5 daily flights from 4 daily
    Halifax (YHZ) – Vancouver (YVR)Resumes May 1, up to 2 daily flights
    Calgary (YYC) – Winnipeg (YWG)Operating 2 daily flights with larger aircraft
    Calgary (YYC) – Edmonton (YEG)Increases to 4 daily flights from 3 daily
    Edmonton (YEG) – Montreal (YUL)Increases to 3 daily flights from 2
    Victoria (YYJ) – Montreal (YUL)Increase to 5 weekly flights from 3
    Victoria (YYJ) – Toronto (YYZ)Increases to 3 daily flights from 2

    About Air Canada

    Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

  • WestJet inaugurates service between Saskatoon and Minneapolis

    New route builds on airline’s commitment to invest in growing network of transborder connections from Saskatoon

    SASKATOON, SK, June 19, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated the commencement of its new nonstop transborder service between Saskatoon and Minneapolis, with the departure of WS1900 at 7:10 a.m. MST.

    Growing Saskatoon’s aviation pipeline, the new route unlocks direct connectivity from Saskatchewan to the Midwest United States and beyond. With the inclusion of Minneapolis to Saskatoon’s network, WestJet has increased transborder capacity in and out of the City of Bridges by 20 per cent during the summer.

    Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs is joined by Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of Saskatoon Airport Authority at the inaugural flight between Saskatoon and Minneapolis. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
    Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs is joined by Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of Saskatoon Airport Authority at the inaugural flight between Saskatoon and Minneapolis. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

    “We are thrilled to celebrate the departure of our inaugural flight between Saskatoon and Minneapolis today, bolstering our title as Saskatchewan’s leading airline and signifying our expanded commitment to the province,” said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs. “This new connectivity between Saskatoon and Minneapolis will further enhance transborder travel options for the communities we serve and stimulate vital business and tourism opportunities on both sides of the border.”

    “The Saskatoon Airport is committed to provide air service that connects Northern Saskatchewan to the world,” says Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of Saskatoon Airport Authority. “As we recover from the pandemic, we continue to work closely with our partners on new service and routes which drive economic benefit to our community, connecting leisure travel and business to Saskatchewan. We are thrilled to welcome WestJet’s new direct, 3x weekly air service route into the Minneapolis hub.”

    The departure of WS1900 is the first of three weekly flights that will travel between Saskatoon and Minneapolis this summer.

    RouteStart DateFrequencyDays of ServiceDepartureArrival
    Saskatoon – MinneapolisJune 19, 20233x weeklyMon/Wed/Fri7:10 a.m.10:31 a.m.
    Minneapolis – SaskatoonJune 19, 20233x weeklyMon/Wed/Fri12:45 p.m.2:02 p.m.

    New U.S. connectivity unlocks a network of opportunity with access to Delta Air Lines hub

    Through its longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Minneapolis will arrive in one of the U.S. airline’s major hubs. Guests will gain access to a vast network of U.S. destinations, including Boston, Miami, New York, Washington D.C. and more, on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure. Guests can also expect baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access where applicable. 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.

    About WestJet

    In 27 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.

  • Winter 2023 heats up with release of Flair Airlines Winter Schedule

    • Winter 2023 will see an expansion in Las Vegas with the addition of service from Ottawa and Calgary
    • Existing Phoenix service will move from Phoenix-Mesa to Sky Harbor and new route from Calgary to begin in October
    • Majority of Winter 2023 capacity to be international or transborder

    EDMONTON, AB, March 7, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, Flair Airlines, Canada’s everyday low fare airline, announces the release of an exciting winter 2023 schedule. The schedule features added depth across the network to give customers more choice, particularly to sunshine, at low fares.

    Today’s announcement includes several new routes, including Toronto to Puerto Vallarta (beginning October 29, 4x weekly), Kitchener-Waterloo to Puerto Vallarta (beginning December 16, 3x weekly), Calgary to Las Vegas (beginning October 30, 7x weekly), and Calgary to Phoenix (beginning October 30, 4x weekly). Flair will also be the only carrier to serve Ottawa to Las Vegas (beginning October 13, 2x weekly).

    Existing service from Vancouver and Edmonton to Phoenix will move to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for the season, along with the new service from Calgary to Phoenix.

    “With today’s exciting announcement, we are reaffirming our commitment to Canadians,” said Stephen Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, Flair Airlines. “Our network offers more choice to more sun destinations than ever before. Rather than one reprieve from winter, we look forward to Canadians taking the opportunity to try all of the amazing destinations in our network.”

    “We’ve optimized our network this winter to match demand for sun. It’s clear that Canadians want more affordable options for sun, more often,” said Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer, Flair Airlines. “We’ve focused on adding depth to our network by increasing frequencies on popular routes. We’ll now have daily service various routes, including Vancouver to Los Angeles and Toronto to Orlando to make it easier for Canadians to plan their winter travel.”

    One-way fares at flyflair.com begin at $9 one way including taxes and fees (Thunder Bay to Toronto). Limited seats for a limited time. Flights are available for booking at flyflair.com.

    All routes, including the winter schedule, are now on sale for 20% off base fare with code: SAVE20. Sale starts on March 7 and ends on March 9, 2023, for travel from March 7, 2023, to March 14, 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Limited seats for a limited time. *

    About Flair Airlines

    Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline, on a mission to provide affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve over 35 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com. 

    *Use promo code: SAVE20. Limited seats for a limited time. Base fare only. Taxes and fees not included. Sale start: March 7, 2023. Sale end: March 9, 2023. Blackout dates: April 6 – April 7, 2023; April 10, 2023; May 18 – May 19, 2023; May 22 – May 23, 2023; June 30, 2023; September 1 – September 4, 2023; October 6 – October 9, 2023; November 10 – November 13, 2023; December 15, 2023 – January 7, 2024; February 15 – February 20, 2024.

    Winter 2023 Weekly Frequencies

    Transborder

    • Toronto (YYZ) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 14x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – Los Angeles (LAX): 7x weekly
    • Toronto (YYZ) – New York (JFK): 4X weekly
    • Toronto (YYZ) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – San Francisco (SFO): 4x weekly
    • Ottawa (YOW) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
    • Toronto (YYZ) – Orlando (SFB): 7x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Las Vegas (LAS): 4x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 4x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – Phoenix (PHX): 3x weekly
    • Calgary (YYC) – Phoenix (PHX): 4x weekly
    • Calgary (YYC) – Las Vegas (LAS): 7x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Orlando (SFB): 4x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Los Angeles (LAX): 3x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Phoenix (PHX): 4x weekly
    • Ottawa (YOW) – Orlando (SFB): 4x weekly
    • Ottawa (YOW) – Las Vegas (LAS): 2x weekly

    International

    • Vancouver (YVR) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 9x weekly
    • Toronto (YYZ) – Cancun (CUN): 10x weekly
    • Toronto (YYZ) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 4x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly 
    • Abbotsford (YXX) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly
    • Calgary (YYC) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 6x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Cancun (CUN) 4x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – Los Cabos (SJD): 3x weekly
    • Ottawa (YOW) – Cancun (CUN): 3x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
    • Calgary (YYC) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
    • Abbotsford (YXX) – Los Cabos (SJD): 1x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR): 3x weekly

    Domestic

    • Toronto (YYZ) – Vancouver (YVR): 15x weekly
    • Toronto (YYZ) – Calgary (YYC): 11x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Abbotsford (YXX): 14x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Vancouver (YVR): 14X weekly
    • Abbotsford (YXX) – Calgary (YYC): 14x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – Calgary (YYC): 14x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Kelowna (YLW): 11x weekly
    • Winnipeg (YWG) – Toronto (YYZ): 10x weekly
    • Kelowna (YLW) – Calgary (YYC): 7x weekly
    • Kelowna (YLW) – Vancouver (YVR): 7x weekly
    • Montreal (YUL) – Vancouver (YVR): 5x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Toronto (YYZ): 7x weekly
    • Abbotsford (YXX) – Toronto (YYZ): 7x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Vancouver (YVR): 4x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Winnipeg (YWG): 4x weekly
    • Winnipeg (YWG) – Calgary (YYC): 4x weekly
    • Saskatoon (YXE) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – Winnipeg (YWG): 3x weekly
    • Montreal (YUL) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
    • Halifax (YHZ) – Ottawa (YOW): 4x weekly
    • Vancouver (YVR) – Saskatoon (YXE): 3x weekly
    • Saskatoon (YXE) – Toronto (YYZ): 3x weekly
    • Calgary (YYC) – Victoria (YYJ): 3x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Montreal (YUL): 4x weekly
    • Ottawa (YOW) – Vancouver (YVR): 2x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
    • Halifax (YHZ) – Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF): 2x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Abbotsford (YXX): 3x weekly
    • Ottawa (YOW) – Calgary (YYC): 3x weekly
    • Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) – Winnipeg (YWG): 2x weekly
    • Edmonton (YEG) – Victoria (YYJ): 3x weekly

  • WestJet brings more seats and increased flight frequencies to summer schedule

    Airline bolsters ambitious growth strategy with increased options for guests to travel across summer network

    CALGARY, AB, March 6, 2023 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced significant increases to its summer schedule bringing more seats and additional flight frequencies to popular routes across its network. With nearly 600 daily departures during peak travel days, WestJet’s summer schedule enhancements will bring more opportunities for Canadians to travel seamlessly across the airline’s domestic, transborder and international network this summer.

    “Providing our guests with even more opportunity to travel across our network this summer comes as a result of a thoughtfully designed schedule that balances the high demand for travel alongside a reliable and resilient operation,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. “With more seats available for booking and added capacity on popular routes, our summer schedule reflects a strengthened commitment to providing seamless domestic and transborder connectivity for our guests.”

    Highlights of WestJet’s summer schedule increases over 2022:

    • 64 per cent increase in seat capacity to/from Regina
    • 46 per cent increase in seat capacity to/from Saskatoon
    • 44 per cent increase in seat capacity to/from Edmonton
    • 42 per cent increase in seat capacity to/from Winnipeg
    • 27 per cent increase in seat capacity to/from Calgary
    • 13 per cent increase in seat capacity to/from Kelowna
    • 5 per cent increase in seat capacity to/from Vancouver

    Enhanced flight frequencies across popular domestic and transborder routes:

    Route2023 peak summer
    frequency    		2022 peak summer
    frequency
    Edmonton – Las Vegas11x weekly4x weekly
    Edmonton – Los Angeles7x weekly4x weekly
    Calgary – Denver4x weekly2x weekly
    Calgary – Houston13x weekly7x weekly
    Calgary – New York (JFK)7x weekly4x weekly
    Vancouver – Saskatoon7x weekly4x weekly
    Vancouver – Ottawa11x weekly5x weekly
    Calgary – Yellowknife14x weekly7x weekly
    Calgary – Windsor7x weekly3x weekly
    Calgary – London, Ont.14x weekly7x weekly
    Calgary – Montreal20x weekly13x weekly
    Edmonton – Kelowna35x weekly27x weekly
    Edmonton – Winnipeg20x weekly6x weekly
    Edmonton – Yellowknife7x weekly3x weekly
    Edmonton – Saskatoon14x weekly6x weekly
    Edmonton – Regina14x weekly6x weekly
    Edmonton – Victoria20x weekly13x weekly
    Edmonton – Halifax13x weekly7x weekly
    Winnipeg – Thunder Bay13x weekly7x weekly
    Winnipeg – Saskatoon12x weekly7x weekly

    About WestJet

    In 27 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)  

  • Province facing questions over WestJet flights from Saskatoon to Minneapolis

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  • Sask. officials hope direct flights to Minneapolis boost tourism and business opportunities

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  • WestJet adding Saskatoon to Minneapolis direct flights

    Thanks to WK.

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  • 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 182x weekly09:4014:30
    Calgary – Chicago*May 184x weekly12:1516:40
    Calgary – Detroit1May 265x weekly12:3518:05
    Calgary – Washington D.C. (Dulles)June 23x weekly09:4516:02
    Edmonton – Minneapolis1June 25x weekly08:1511:46
    Edmonton – Seattle1May 195x weekly10:3011:30
    Vancouver – Atlanta1May 174x weekly22:2506:05
    Vancouver – NashvilleMay 192x weekly10:0016:19
    Vancouver – Orlando*May 61x weekly11:0019:52
    Winnipeg – Los Angeles3Apr 303x weekly07:0008:38
    Toronto – Bermuda3May 52x weekly07:0010:42
    *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 – MonctonJune 143x weekly09:1516:49
    Calgary – Thunder Bay*June 293x weekly14:00/15:4518:36/20:21
    Calgary – Quebec City*May 194x weekly17:5523:55
    Edmonton – CharlottetownJune 141x weekly10:2517:58
    Edmonton – LondonMay 192x weekly10:2515:52
    Edmonton – MonctonJune 292x weekly10:2517:57
    Edmonton – Ottawa*Apr 306x weekly09:0014:43
    Edmonton – Montreal*June 302x weekly01:0007:03
    *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 14x weekly09:40/14:1010:58/15:28
    Edmonton – Nanaimo*April 302x weekly10:3011:29
    Edmonton – Penticton*July 12x weekly11:0011:27
    Kelowna – Regina*May 212x weekly17:3020:34
    Kelowna – Saskatoon*June 22x weekly17:3520:29
    Kelowna – Winnipeg*June 23x weekly19:1523:33
    Vancouver – Regina*Jun 302x weekly20:4523:47
    Winnipeg – Victoria*April 302x weekly17:3018:28
    *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)

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