WestJet launched their highly anticipated new service between Calgary international Airport to Rome with flight 32 departing Saturday evening (May 7th) at 18:20 local time. The route will operate three times weekly with a 320-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

On Sunday (May 8, 2022), WestJet announced the launch of new long-awaited service between Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Rome with the departure of flight 32 on Saturday at 18:20. The carrier will operate the route three times weekly with a 320-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The first flight was preceded by a celebration attended by The Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation, Bob Sartor, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, WestJet team members and other dignitaries. The new Calgary-Rome service was originally scheduled to launch in May of 2020, but was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
In Sunday’s announcment, WestJet’s Executive Vice President – External Affairs, Angela Avery, said,
“The launch of our highly anticipated Calgary-Rome service is an incredible milestone for both WestJet and our guests, as we've been looking forward to this moment, for more than two years. With its rich history and culture, it is no surprise that our guests are eager to visit Rome. We are thrilled to provide Western Canadians with increased connectivity to this incredible city. We are also excited to bring guests from Rome to visit Canada and assist with the recovery of Canada's vital tourism industry.”

Also commenting on WestJet’s new Rome service, Alberta’s Premier, Jason Kenney, added,

“WestJet continues to be a true Alberta success story. This new step, expanding its international offerings with a direct flight to Rome will create new opportunities for Albertans to see the world. WestJet's continued growth is another sign of Alberta's recovery, as our tourism industry gets back on its feet after two tough years.”
WestJet is now providing 43 percent more service between Alberta and Europe compared to the pre-pandemic period in 2019, with seamless connectivity between Calgary and Rome, Paris, Dublin and London (Heathrow and Gatwick). In concert with new passenger service between Calgary and Rome, WestJet Cargo will offer around 120 tons of weekly cargo belly-hold capacity on their Boeing 787 Dreamliners. During 2021, WestJet Cargo delivered over 60,000 tons of cargo to/from Italy to destinations across North America.
With over 25 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 100 destinations in 23 countries (pre-pandemic). 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