TORONTO / March 31, 2025 – Porter Airlines is updating its 2025 summer schedule. Increases in capacity are spread across new destinations, the continuation of winter routes into summer, and added frequencies. Domestic flying during this period is now 80% of total network capacity, up from 75% in its original summer plan. This is balanced by targeted frequency reductions in select U.S. markets. Despite the changes, Porter’s presence in the Canada-U.S. market will be 25% larger than last summer.
The summer schedule is supported by 10 additional Embraer E195-E2 aircraft compared to 2024, growing the number of jets in the airline’s fleet to 44 (of an order up to 100). These operate in conjunction with the airline’s regional fleet of 29 De Havilland Dash 8-400s.
“Our goal is to fly where our customers want to travel, and this is a moment Canada is at the top of many people’s list,” said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines. “We are adding routes and increasing flights in regions across the country to meet this demand.”
The updated domestic schedule includes the following details over peak summer operations:
Route Changes
New Peak Summer Schedule
NEW Moncton – Toronto Pearson
5x weekly
Vancouver – Toronto Pearson
6x daily
Victoria – Toronto Pearson
12x weekly
Charlottetown – Toronto Pearson
7x weekly
St. John’s – Toronto Pearson
14x weekly
Kelowna – Toronto Pearson
7x weekly
Deer Lake – Toronto Pearson
3x weekly
Thunder Bay – Toronto Pearson
7x weekly
Calgary – Toronto Pearson
4x daily
Montre´al – Vancouver
14x weekly
Hamilton – Vancouver
14x weekly
Hamilton – Calgary
6x weekly
Hamilton – Edmonton
7x weekly
Hamilton – Halifax
7x weekly
Victoria – Ottawa
7x weekly
Halifax – Deer Lake
7x weekly
Highlights:
Toronto Pearson-Moncton is a new route, which complements existing flights between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport-Moncton and Ottawa-Moncton.
Hamilton-Vancouver service doubles to 14 weekly flights, representative of strong pre-booking demand for this new route taking off in June.
Montre´al-Vancouver and Toronto-St. John’s both double planned service to 14 weekly flights.
“These routes complement existing schedules by creating more non-stop flight options and greater connectivity for travelling beyond hubs in Toronto, Ottawa, Montre´al and Halifax,” added Jackson.
Porter is also launching new service between Toronto Pearson – New York-LaGuardia and Montre´al – New York-Newark this spring. This is supported by expanding winter seasonal service through the summer to destinations such as Phoenix and San Diego, and increasing year-over-year capacity for Las Vegas and San Francisco.
“Porter has increased capacity in the U.S. by 25% year-over-year. Based on our current spring bookings, the number of passengers travelling on Porter across our transborder routes is up more than our capacity, demonstrating strong traveller demand for Porter’s elevated experience. As we shift some capacity to domestic routes in the near term to account for consumer travel interest, we are still seeing an overall increase in U.S. travel on Porter flights,” said Jackson.
On every flight, passengers enjoy Porter’s signature service, including no middle seats, complimentary wine and beer served in glassware and premium snacks. Routes operated with the new Embraer E195-E2 also have free, fast WiFi available for everyone.
About Porter Airlines Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com
More Flights. More Savings. More Eh-mazing Adventures.
Edmonton, March 27, 2025 – Snow problem, Canada – we’ve got you covered. Flair Airlines just dropped its Winter 2025 schedule like it’s hot chocolate on a cold day – with way more domestic flights to get you where you need to go (and maybe where you didn’t know you needed to).
From extra hops between Vancouver and Calgary to a full-on flight-fest between Edmonton and Abbotsford, Flair is doubling down on domestic to bring you more flexibility, more savings, and fewer excuses to not visit your in-laws. Or not. We don’t judge. You could always fly directly to Guadalajara, Mexico, 4 times a week from Vancouver for a quick escape to heat and history.
“We’re turning up the heat on winter travel with more flights, better options, and unbeatable value,” said Maciej Wilk, interim CEO of Flair Airlines. “Whether you’re chasing powder in the Rockies or pierogies in Toronto, we’re here to get you there — affordably, frequently, safely, and on time.”
What’s New & Juicy in Winter 2025?
Vancouver–Calgary: Now 21 flights a week (+40%) – basically, a shuttle.
Edmonton–Abbotsford: +10 flights/week – call it “the commuter express.”
Vancouver–Toronto: Jumping from 11 to 20 flights – because one flight a day was so 2023.
Kelowna–Calgary: No longer seasonal – it’s officially a year-round love affair.
With demand for U.S. sun-trips cooling down, Flair is going all-in on True North travel. That means more planes, more cities, more maple-flavoured memories.
Oh, and did we mention the best completion factor in Canada and the only On-Time Guarantee in the country? We don’t just get you there – we get you there when we said we would.
So, what are you waiting for, Canada? That cousin’s wedding? That business trip? That ski weekend? The sky’s wide open. Let’s go.
About Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines is Canada’s most reliable airline. As Canada’s greenest airline, Flair is on a mission to provide affordable air travel that connects Canadians 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., Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com.
Porter Airlines Landing in Kelowna With New Toronto Pearson Flights
December 17, 2024
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Porter Airlines is expanding its presence in British Columbia with flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Service begins on May 14, 2025, with five weekly roundtrip flights, increasing to daily roundtrip flights on June 23.
Kelowna will be the third city in British Columbia that Porter serves with its new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, complementing existing flights to Vancouver and Victoria. The E195-E2 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip in its class, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today. The two-by-two configuration means no middle seats on any Porter flight.
Route
Departure
Arrival
Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) to Kelowna (YLW)
9:15 a.m.
10:55 a.m.
Kelowna (YLW) to Toronto-Pearson (YYZ)
11:50 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
All times local
Connecting flights with Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s will also be available.
“Our presence in Western Canada continues to grow and more travellers can now enjoy their trip as soon as they get onboard the aircraft with Porter’s award-winning elevated economy experience,” said Edmond Eldebs, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Travellers will appreciate direct access to Kelowna’s mountainous landscapes and all of the beauty that the Okanagan Valley has to offer. It’s a true year-round destination that will benefit from improved connections to Eastern Canada.”
Porter’s onboard experience provides every passenger with complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, a selection of Canadian premium snacks, and free, fast streaming WiFi. The all-inclusive PorterReserve fare includes fresh, healthy meals, and features such as the ability to change flights without a fee, dedicated check-in, extra legroom, and two checked bags. For travellers who want to choose specific features to fit their needs, the PorterClassic fare offers these perks à la carte.
Sustainability is at the heart of the menu design, with a priority on reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging.
“Porter Airlines’ decision to expand its services to Kelowna is a significant milestone for our community. This new route not only enhances connectivity between Kelowna and Toronto but also opens up new opportunities for tourism and business in the Okanagan Valley,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport CEO. “We are excited to welcome Porter Airlines to Kelowna and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring.”
Flights are now available for booking at www.flyporter.com and with travel agents.
About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com
Enhanced domestic, transborder and intercontinental connections pave the way for cross-country economic growth and expanded opportunities for business and leisure travel
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 18, 2024 /CNW/ – Today WestJet announced its complete summer schedule for 2025, featuring 10 per cent growth network wide and domestic growth of 12 per cent. As the airline introduces two new domestic and three new transborder destinations, along with 11 new routes across its network, WestJet is actively pursuing its strategy to improve air travel accessibility and affordability across Canada.
“WestJet’s expanded summer schedule reflects our continued commitment to connecting Canadians by increasing our domestic and international capacity. In Canada alone we are growing capacity by 12 percent, operating to 41 airports with over 3,000 weekly departures,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Offering more options for business and leisure travel, we’re excited to see our guests’ stories take off this summer as we ensure Canadians have affordable and reliable access to visit the people and destinations they love.”
This summer, WestJet will deliver double-digit increases in total seat capacity across 10 major Canadian airports:
Canadian destination
Capacity increase over summer 2024
Calgary
11 per cent
Edmonton
23 per cent
Kelowna
15 per cent
Montreal
31 per cent
Ottawa
36 per cent
Regina
23 per cent
Saskatoon
19 per cent
Vancouver
12 per cent
Victoria
18 per cent
Winnipeg
19 per cent
Providing greater air access to Canadians
WestJet will welcome two new domestic destinations to its network this summer with direct and exclusive service to Calgary. These new domestic routes enhance opportunities for Canadians to explore the country along with increased access to connect onwards to WestJet’s vast network of global destinations, through its global hub in Calgary.
New destinations
Sudbury, Ontario: Bringing two-times weekly service to the largest metropolitan area in Canada currently without WestJet operations, the airline is opening a highly-anticipated gateway for Northern Ontario communities to connect to Western Canada for business and leisure getaways this summer;
Sydney, Nova Scotia: In alignment with WestJet’s strategy, the airline continues to strengthen its seamless connectivity between Atlantic and Western Canada, with the addition of two-times weekly service between Sydney and Calgary.
Domestic summer schedule highlights
Route
Peak weekly frequency
Start date
End date
Summer service change
Calgary-Sudbury
2x weekly
June 12
October 19
Returning destination
Calgary-Sydney
2x weekly
June 10
October 18
Returning destination
Significant expansion of service to the United States
Introducing three new U.S. destinations to its Alberta network this summer, WestJet continues to enhance its transborder service, providing convenient opportunities for Canadians to access their favourite leisure and business destinations north and south of the border.
New destinations
Anchorage, Alaska: Launching two-times weekly service between Calgary and Anchorage, Canadians connecting via the airline’s hub, will gain coveted seasonal access to Alaska’s incredible recreational landscapes and popular cruise opportunities;
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Providing three-times weekly access between Calgary and one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities, WestJet will give Western Canadians seamless access to a thriving business hub, home to leading companies in healthcare, education and technology;
Salt Lake City, Utah: In addition to providing non-stop access to Utah’s scenic landscapes, WestJet’s new five-times weekly service between Edmonton and Salt Lake City will be monumental for business and leisure travellers.
In addition, WestJet will significantly grow Western Canada’s summer connectivity to Florida, introducing four new routes to the sunshine state.
Transborder summer schedule highlights
Route
Frequency
Start date
End date
Summer service change
Calgary-Raleigh- Durham
3x weekly
June 9
October 13
New destination
Calgary- Anchorage
2x weekly
June 29
September 7
New destination
Calgary- Minneapolis
4x weekly
May 16
September 3
New route
Calgary-Fort Lauderdale
1x weekly
Year-round service
Winter service extension
Calgary-Tampa
1x weekly
Year-round service
Winter service extension
Edmonton-Salt Lake City
5x weekly
May 15
October 24
New destination
Edmonton- Chicago
3x weekly
June 4
October 22
New route
Vancouver- Boston
Daily
June 9
October 13
New route
Vancouver – Tampa
1x weekly
June 14
October 25
New route
Winnipeg- Orlando
1x weekly
Year-round service
Winter extension
Kelowna-Seattle
7x weekly
Year-round service
Winter extension
WestJet builds trade and tourism potential with enhanced access to Delta hubs
WestJet is growing transborder service by 11 per cent this summer, operating to 29 airports with over 900 weekly departures, and continuing to enhance its connectivity from across Canada to Delta Air Line’s major U.S. hubs. Through WestJet’s longstanding partnership with Delta, guests connecting through Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Salt Lake City and Seattle will gain access to a vast network of U.S. destinations on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests.
Continued expansion to Europe and Asia
Growing its transatlantic service from Eastern Canada, WestJet will introduce non-stop connectivity between St. John’s and Paris and welcome back service between Halifax and Paris and St. John’s and Dublin, this summer. Additionally, WestJet will enhance its existing transatlantic connectivity, beginning its service between Halifax and Edinburgh and Dublin one month earlier than 2024, while increasing St. John’s previous service to London (Gatwick) from three-times weekly to four-times weekly.
Growing its global hub’s transpacific service, WestJet will maintain its daily service to Tokyo this summer, while increasing Calgary’s capacity serving Incheon.
Route
Frequency
Start date
End date
Summer service change
Transatlantic
St. John’s – Paris
1x weekly
May 18
October 19
New route
St. John’s – Dublin
2x weekly
May 22
October 23
Returning route
St. John’s – London (Gatwick)
4x weekly
April 28
October 25
Increase frequency
Halifax – Paris
4x weekly
May 16
October 25
Returning route
Halifax – Edinburgh
3x weekly
May 15
October 14
Service extension
Halifax – Dublin
4x weekly
May 20
October 13
Service extension
Transpacific
Calgary – Incheon
4x weekly
March 31
October 19
Increase frequency
Planning for growth
The acquisition of nine leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, along with Swoop and Sunwing planes, allows the airline to bolster its strategic fleet growth, while managing delays for direct-from-factory aircraft. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of all of these aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airline’s existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible.
To support the ongoing schedule enhancements across its growing network, WestJet has recently reaffirmed its commitment to providing world-class reliable air travel all year long. To learn more about the enhancements being made to fortify WestJet’s operational resiliency, visit the WestJet Newsroom.
Additional quotes
“We are thrilled to continue enhancing connectivity for guests travelling through YYC Calgary International Airport with WestJet’s new routes and increased service to a number of exciting destinations,” said Balázs Bogats, Chief Commercial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority. “These additions create more opportunities for travellers to explore new sights and experiences, while bringing greater access to Calgary, the Rocky Mountains and Western Canada. Our close partnership with WestJet enables us to deliver exceptional travel experiences and support future growth for our community and region.”
“We are thrilled to welcome WestJet’s new service between Anchorage and Calgary. This route strengthens our connection to Canada, offering travelers more convenience and opportunities to explore everything both Anchorage and Calgary have to offer. WestJet’s commitment to this market reflects the growing demand for seamless travel options, and we are proud to support this expansion. Anchorage International Airport is dedicated to fostering connections that benefit our community, our economy, and the region as a whole. We look forward to a successful partnership with WestJet and encourage travelers to take advantage of this exciting new service,” said Angie Spear, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Director.
“We’re excited to welcome RDU’s first nonstop route to Calgary on Canadian airline WestJet,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “This new seasonal service offers Triangle travelers convenient opportunities to visit the Rockies in Western Canada and easily connect to WestJet’s comprehensive network of Canadian and international destinations.”
About WestJet In 28 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 14,000 employees, 200 aircraft, and more than 100 destinations in 25 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
New daily transborder service connecting the Okanagan to the Pacific Northwest and beyond will take flight in January
KELOWNA, BC, July 25, 2024 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced new daily service connecting Kelowna and Seattle beginning in January 2025. The route will unlock more seamless connectivity between the popular regions to a vast network of U.S. destinations through Seattle and beyond, through the airline’s longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines.
“As we continue to strengthen our service across Western Canada, we are proud to connect Kelowna with new daily WestJet service to Seattle as part of our expanded winter schedule,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “This route will provide guests in the Okanagan and across the Pacific Northwest regions with new convenient and affordable options to easily connect between both popular regions for business and leisure year-round.”
Flights from Kelowna to Seattle will depart at 9:00 a.m. local time, aligning with business travel schedules and allowing for connections to 24 codeshare destinations throughout the western United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego, Phoenix and many others. The returning 11:30 a.m. departure from Seattle will arrive in Kelowna at 12:37 p.m., providing ample same day opportunities for visitors to hit the ski slopes, head out on the lake or visit one of Kelowna’s wineries upon arrival.
Earlier this week, WestJet revealed its 2024/2025 domestic winter schedule, outlining significant growth across the country, including Kelowna. This winter, WestJet will serve a total of 12 destinations from Kelowna with up to 20 daily departures out of YLW during peak winter travel.
“WestJet has been a valued partner for Kelowna International Airport for 28 years and demonstrates their commitment to our region through continued expansion of the domestic and international network available from YLW,” said Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport Chief Executive Officer. “I would like to thank WestJet for their dedication to the Okanagan which allows the growth of our airport and provides benefits to our entire community – from access to travel for business and leisure, to economic development here at home.”
WestJet’s Winter 2024/2025 peak schedule from Kelowna
Route
PeakWinter Departures
Kelowna-Seattle*
5x weekly beginning January 17, 2025Daily from February 17, 2025
Kelowna-Calgary
49x weekly
Kelowna-Edmonton
19x weekly
Kelowna-Toronto
5x weekly
Kelowna-Vancouver
35x weekly
Kelowna-Victoria
3x weekly
Kelowna-Las Vegas
1x weekly
Kelowna-Phoenix
2x weekly
Kelowna-Cancun
6x weekly
Kelowna-Mazatlan
1x weekly
Kelowna-Puerto Vallarta
3x weekly
Kelowna-San Jose del Cabo
2x weekly
*new route
Kelowna gains direct access to major Delta Air Lines hub in Seattle Through WestJet’s longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Seattle will benefit from seamless travel on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure and baggage tagged to their final destination. 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, and Delta Sky Club lounge access for eligible WestJet guests.
About WestJet
In 28 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 26 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
New flights to Tulum, Mexico and Grenada added for winter 2024/2025
The WestJet Group continues to strengthen its transborder, sun and domestic network
CALGARY, AB, May 21, 2024 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced further network expansion with the addition of new service to Tulum, Mexico and the island of Grenada in the Caribbean, bolstering the Group’s extensive leisure portfolio this winter. Additionally, the airline is enhancing its transborder offerings with new flights to Fort Lauderdale, FL., from Vancouver and Winnipeg.
“Our strategy to establish the WestJet Group as Canada’s western leader and national leisure champion is working, as we continue to offer the most robust and affordable coast-to-coast schedule, fine-tuned to meet the needs of Canadian travellers,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Cementing our position as the country’s leading leisure airline, the WestJet Group will provide more seat capacity than any other airline to sun destinations this winter.”
Welcoming Tulum to our network from Calgary and Toronto, new routes to Mexico from Kelowna and Winnipeg
The introduction of service to Tulum’s newly opened international airport from Calgary and Toronto further solidifies WestJet’s position as Canada’s top choice for Riviera Maya travel. In addition to the strongest schedule, WestJet Vacations will offer packages to 35 major hotels in close proximity to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carillo (TQO).
This winter, WestJet will also add once-weekly service from Kelowna to Mazatlán and Winnipeg to Los Cabos.
Route
Frequency
Start Date
End Date
Calgary-Tulum
1x weekly
November 9, 2024
April 27, 2025
Toronto-Tulum
3x weekly
November 9, 2024
April 27, 2025
Kelowna-Mazatlán
1x weekly
December 13, 2024
April 18, 2025
Winnipeg-Los Cabos
1x weekly
November 9, 2024
April 26, 2025
New flights from Toronto to the Caribbean’s spice island
Unlocking new opportunities for Canadians to explore the beautiful island known for its spices, beaches and waterfalls, service between Toronto and Grenada will operate once weekly this winter. Flights are conveniently timed for connectivity across Western Canada and will be available for sale in the coming weeks for service starting November 3, 2024, to April 27, 2025.
Toronto-Grenada
1x weekly
November 3, 2024
April 27, 2025
*Subject to government approval
“With the addition of this new route, the WestJet Group expands accessibility to Grenada for Canadians, inviting them to explore the Spice Island’s vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes. We’re thrilled to partner with WestJet in welcoming travellers to discover Grenada’s charm and hospitality,” said Petra Roach, CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority.
Transborder and Domestic Year-Round Enhancements
With the largest narrowbody order book in Canada, the WestJet Group continues to expand its transborder offerings, further enhancing sun service with the addition of once-weekly flights to Fort Lauderdale, FL., from Vancouver and Winnipeg beginning in November.
Vancouver-Ft. Lauderdale
1x weekly
November 3, 2024
April 20, 2025
Winnipeg-Ft. Lauderdale
1x weekly
November 18, 2024
April 21, 2025
“WestJet continues to invest in building the connectivity our community needs to thrive,” said Nick Hays, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Today’s announcement gives our region even more options to the destinations that matter.”
As previously announced, the airline will continue to strengthen connectivity to key Delta Air Lines hubs with service from Edmonton to Atlanta and Regina to Minneapolis, moving to year-round. Additionally, Canadians will benefit from year-round connectivity from Edmonton to Ottawa and Montreal and from Winnipeg to Montreal.
Route
Frequency
Start Date
End Date
Edmonton-Atlanta
Daily
Year-round
Year-round
Regina-Minneapolis
Daily
Year-round
Year-round
Edmonton-Montreal
4x weekly
Year-round
Year-round
Edmonton-Ottawa
5x weekly
Year-round
Year-round
Winnipeg-Montreal
5x weekly
Year-round
Year-round
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 100 destinations in 26 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Operating from Sunday to Friday, this non-stop service is designed to offer travelers flexibility in planning their trips. An exciting addition to our summer schedule, this service begins on June 25, 2024.
To celebrate the launch, we’re rolling out an exclusive promotion! Enjoy a 20% discount on bookings using the promo code: KELCOM. Fly over to our website to explore this deal and our schedule: https://flights.pacificcoastal.com/en/kelowna-comox
Pacific Coastal Airlines Celebrates Inaugural Flights on New Nanaimo Routes
September 13, 2023
Richmond, BC – Pacific Coastal Airlines is excited to announce the successful launch of its new daily non-stop routes between Vancouver South Terminal (YVR) – Nanaimo Airport (YCD), and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – Nanaimo Airport (YCD). The inaugural flights took place yesterday, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, marking a significant milestone for Pacific Coastal Airlines and enhancing travel options for passengers in these communities.
The celebratory events, held at Vancouver South Terminal, Nanaimo Airport, and Kelowna International Airport, were attended by distinguished executives, politicians, airport authorities and First Nation representatives. Each event was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of these new routes in connecting communities and facilitating seamless travel experiences.
During the inaugural events for Pacific Coastal Airlines’ new routes, several executives and airport representatives were present. At the Vancouver South Terminal event (YVR-YCD), attendees included Cathy Nyfors, Manager, Passenger Programs, Passenger Journey Vancouver Airport Authority, Zahra Kawa, Pacific Coastal Airlines Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Corporate Development, as well as Darcy Coonfer, Vice President, Operations. The activities featured speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the distribution of branded treats and swag to passengers, and a heartwarming welcome ceremony, with representatives from the Musqueam Nation extending their hospitality and traditional blessings.
At the Nanaimo Airport event, Johnathan Richardson, VP, Customer & Commercial, took center stage, alongside airport leads Dave Devana, Nanaimo Airport CEO & President and Keith Granbois, Chief Financial Officer & VP, Business Development. The festivities included a water salute for the aircraft, a special wine and cheese event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, a gift exchange, distribution of branded cookies and swag to passengers, and a First Nation welcoming by the Stz’uminus First Nation Chief John Elliott.
Lastly, at the Kelowna International Airport event, Berkan Kucukkatipoglu, Director, Commercial Planning, represented the airline as the executive presence, and the airport was supported by Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Chief Executive Officer. The activities featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, distribution of cookies and swag, and a First Nation welcome by Krystal Withakay (Spaxwawlm), on behalf of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
These events celebrated the partnership between Pacific Coastal Airlines and the respective airports, signifying a commitment to provide enhanced travel options for residents and visitors in these regions. Johnathan Richardson, VP, Customer & Commercial, expressed his excitement about these new routes, emphasizing that, “Pacific Coastal now offers year-round service to six destinations on Vancouver Island. Our new non-stop flights from Nanaimo to Vancouver South Terminal and Kelowna offer convenient and affordable flight options for our customers and demonstrate our airline’s commitment to enhancing travel throughout British Columbia.”
Dave Devana, President and CEO at Nanaimo Airport Commission, added, “We are very excited that Pacific Coastal Airlines is providing a direct connection to both the Vancouver South Terminal and Kelowna region that will connect our communities. It’s a “perfect pairing” providing an opportunity for our travelers to explore the vineyards and natural beauty of our regions while enhancing the business connections.”
Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Director, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This new daily service between Nanaimo and Kelowna is a great regional connection for YLW guests. I am excited to see Pacific Coastal continue to expand connections for BC residents and grow air service opportunities at YLW.”
Tickets for these new routes are now available for purchase. Passengers can book their flights by visiting Pacific Coastal Airlines’ website, contacting the Call Centre at 1-800-663-2872, or reaching out to their preferred travel agent.
To celebrate the launch of these new flights, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a special promotion for the Fall season. Passengers can enjoy a 20% discount on flights to/from Nanaimo (YCD) and anywhere in our network using the promo code FALL2023. More details can be found on the Pacific Coastal Airlines website.
Pacific Coastal Airlines is committed to connecting communities and providing convenient travel options, with a network that spans across British Columbia.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately-owned British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) that flies to 18 airports in British Columbia. Connecting to additional destinations along the south coast of British Columbia through its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island.
Reintroducing a highly coveted transborder connection from the Okanagan, for the first time since 2020.
WestJet, today announced service between Kelowna and Las Vegas, reintroducing a highly coveted transborder connection from the Okanagan, for the first time since 2020. Beginning December 15, WestJet will operate non-stop service between Kelowna and Las Vegas, twice weekly, as the airline continues to strengthen its investments in Western Canada through increased sun and leisure connections.
“WestJet is proud to add yet another transborder connection to our winter schedule, between Kelowna and Las Vegas, as we continue to provide guests across Canada with even more affordable and accessible opportunities to escape the cold and find the sun this winter,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.
Route
Frequency
Departure time (local)
Arrival time (local)
Effective
Kelowna – Las Vegas
2x/week
8:00 a.m.
10:39 a.m.
December 15
Las Vegas – Kelowna
2x/week
1:05 p.m.
3:55 p.m.
December 15
With the addition of service to Las Vegas, WestJet will operate a total of two direct transborder connections from Kelowna, with non-stop weekly service to Phoenix, Arizona.
“WestJet’s unwavering commitment to our region exemplifies the power of partnership in fostering our economic position.” Said Sam Samaddar, Chief Executive Officer of Kelowna International Airport. “With WestJet’s ambitious growth strategy taking flight, we eagerly anticipate the benefits it will bring, strengthening our ties and ensuring YLW continues to be the Okanagan’s link to the world.”
The airspace surrounding Kelowna International Airport had been closed to allow aerial fire-fighting activity for the wildfires in the Kelowna area.
The priority is the safety of our community and to allow access to the airspace required by aerial firefighters. YLW will continue to work with our industry stakeholders, BC Wildfire Service, NavCanada and Transport Canada, to understand how these wildfires will impact operations at YLW. Updates will be provided at ylw.kelowna.ca/updates.
We appreciate travellers’ patience with this evolving situation. Travellers are asked to check with their airline for the most up to date flight information before coming to the airport.
