WestJet celebrated their inaugural flight to Asia on Sunday (April 30th), with service between Calgary and Tokyo Narita. The route will now operate three times weekly with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
On Sunday (April 30, 2023), WestJet celebrated the launch of their first-ever service to Asia, with flight WS80 departing Calgary International Airport (YYC) for Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). The route will operate three times weekly departing Calgary at 15:10 and arriving in Tokyo at 16:15+1. The return flight departs Tokyo-Narita at 18:15, and arrives back in Calgary at 12:15. Tokyo service will operate with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner through October 28, 2023, and will then resume again in Spring 2024. Guests will enjoy an elevated onboard experience with Western and Japanese inflight meals and Japanese entertainment options, as well as the comfort of Japanese announcements and menus.
In Sunday’s announcement, WestJet’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill, said,
“We are thrilled to see our new service to Tokyo, Japan take flight as we welcome our newest destination to our 787 intercontinental hub at YYC. Not only does this new route increase opportunities for business, leisure and cargo customers to expand their horizons in Asia, it also provides an exceptional opportunity to welcome transpacific leisure and business travellers direct to Calgary and Alberta.”
Also commenting on the start of service to Tokyo, Calgary Airport Authority’s VP – Commercial & Strategy and CFO, Rob Palmer, added,
“We are delighted about WestJet's new flight between Calgary and Tokyo. YYC Calgary International Airport is proud to be the first impression of Alberta's western hospitality for many travellers coming to explore the region from Asia. As WestJet's sole connecting global hub, the airline has been a key part of YYC's success. We look forward to continuing to support our partners' growth, and welcoming travellers from around the world.”
In 27 years of service, WestJet has cut airfares for Canadians in half and increased the flying population around Canada by over 50 percent. The airline launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, and has now grown to more than 180 aircraft and 14,000 employees, offering service to over 110 destinations in 24 countries. Even during the pandemic, WestJet maintained their rating by Cirium as one of the top ten airlines for on-time performance in North America.
Source: WestJet/CNW