WestJet has inaugurated new transborder service between Edmonton and Minneapolis-St. Paul. The carrier has also started first-ever service between Calgary and Washington D.C.
On Friday (June 2, 2023), WestJet celebrated the launch of new service between Edmonton (YEG) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP). Flight WS1546 departed Edmonton at 09:45 MST, and the route will now be operated five times weekly. Inbound guests to Minneapolis will also enjoy seamless onward connections through WestJet’s longstanding partner Delta Air Lines, to other popular destinations such as Boston, Miami, Washington D.C. and more on a single ticket. A combined itinerary will also include check-in for all flights upon first departure, baggage tagged to the final destination and lounge access for select guests. Members of either airline’s loyalty program can continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits, including earning and redeeming in their preferred program.
In Friday’s announcement, WestJet’s Vice President – Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development, Chris Avery, said,
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the departure of our third of five inaugural routes from Edmonton today, signifying our expanding commitment to the capital of WestJet's home province. Through our new service connecting Edmonton and Minneapolis, WestJet is doing our part to further enhance the economic success of the communities we serve through the implementation of strategic routes that serve to stimulate vital business and tourism opportunities.”
Edmonton International Airport’s President & CEO, Myron Keehn, added,
“WestJet has been an important partner for YEG since their inception, more than 27 years ago, and we are proud that our relationship continues to grow and strengthen. We are excited to celebrate their renewed commitment to YEG and welcome this important air service link for our community. This new non-stop route to Minneapolis is an exciting addition to the more than 50 non-stop destinations at YEG and will serve as an important connection for business, tourism and cargo.”
In a separate press release on Friday (June 2, 2023), WestJet announced the launch of first-ever service between Calgary and Washington D.C., with flight WS1618 departing Calgary at 11:30 MST. The route will now operate three times weekly. This summer, WestJet is increasing their transborder capacity by 46 percent compared to summer 2022, with direct service to 20 U.S. destinations.
In Friday’s announcement, WestJet’s Vice President – Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development, Chris Avery, said,
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the inauguration of our service between Calgary and Washington D.C. forming yet another meaningful connection between our home hub in Calgary and our southern neighbors, that will provide newfound, seamless access to the world-renowned monuments in the capital city of the United States. Whether our guests crave access to Western Canada's Rocky Mountains or the historical sites of Washington D.C., this new route will unlock instrumental opportunity for our guests to travel for business and leisure, bolstering business and tourism opportunities in both cities.”
The Calgary Airport Authority’s Vice President – Operation and Infrastructure, Chris Miles, added,
“We are delighted about WestJet's new flight between Calgary and Washington D.C. Focused on connecting people and places, YYC Calgary International Airport is proud to be the first impression of Alberta's western hospitality for business and leisure travellers. We look forward to continuing to support our partners' growth, and welcoming guests 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.
Source: WestJet/CNW