WestJet has announced that it is adding Seattle to its network with nonstop flights from Calgary.
Seattle
Starting 4th November 2021, WestJet will fly nonstop between Calgary International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Flights will increase to 6-weekly on 20th December 2021. However, from 28th March 2022, the airline will fly daily between the two cities and twice-daily from 19th May 2022.
The flights will run with the following schedule:
- Calgary-Seattle
- Departure time: 10:30
- Arrival time: 11:14
- Flight time: 1 hour and 44 minutes
- Flight number: WS3612
- Frequency: from 4th November 2021 – Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; from 20th December 2021 – all days except Saturday; from 28th March 2022 – daily
- Seattle-Calgary
- Departure time: 12:00
- Arrival time: 14:36
- Flight time: 1 hour and 36 minutes
- Flight number: WS3613
- Frequency: from 4th November 2021 – Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; from 20th December 2021 – all days except Saturday; from 28th March 2022 – daily
The flight schedule of the second daily flight that will be starting from 19th May 2022 is:
- Calgary-Seattle
- Departure time: 19:05
- Arrival time: 19:49
- Flight time: 1 hour and 44 minutes
- Flight number: WS3614
- Frequency: daily
- Seattle-Calgary
- Departure time: 07:00
- Arrival time: 09:36
- Flight time: 1 hour and 44 minutes
- Flight number: WS3615
- Frequency: daily
- Note – This flight launches on 20th May 2022
These flights will be operated by WestJet Encore’s Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 aircraft featuring 78 economy class seats.
John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet, said:
We are delighted to add Calgary-Seattle service to our network, providing our first non-stop service between these two incredible cities. Whether planning to visit the Emerald City to catch a favourite sports team, or to explore the Canadian Rockies, this route provides guests in Western Canada and across the Pacific Northwest with new convenient and affordable options to connect for business or leisure. As we continue to strengthen our presence from our home hub in Calgary, we will continue to make investments that support the restoration of our transborder network.
The announcement comes after Canada announced that it will be easing travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Americans starting 9th August 2021.
WestJet says that passengers will also benefit from the addition of Seattle to WestJet’s network with connections via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to destinations across the United States, although more details on connectivity options will be released at a later date by the Calgary-based airline.
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Statements
Angela Avery, Executive Vice-President, External Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, WestJet, said:
WestJet’s commitment to expanding trade links and leading the rebuild of the visitor economy in Albertahas never been stronger. We have been listening to our partners and are thrilled to making the Pacific Northwest more connected to Canada via our global hub. We look forward to expanded employment, trade and tourism links this investment will bring to life.
Lance Lyttle, Managing Director, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, said:
Despite the challenges of the past year, we are a gateway for business and leisure travel to our region with the addition of another brand-new carrier to SEA Airport. The region’s resiliency during one of the most challenging times in our industry continues to attract additional choices for visitors, business and residents of the region. Whether you’re traveling for business or taking a long-awaited trip to the beautiful Canadian Rockies, WestJet is a valuable addition to passenger choices.
Bob Sartor, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority, said:
Congratulations to WestJet on their new direct route from YYC to Seattle. We look forward to introducing guests to this beautiful coastal city to enjoy great culture, cuisine and, of course, coffee as well as welcoming American guests from the Pacific Northwest region to YYC.
Doug Schweitzer, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, said:
WestJet’s latest direct flight to Seattle is another sign of economic recovery for our tourism industry. Bringing international travellers to Alberta is a key part of revitalizing our hospitality sector and getting people back to work.
Brandon A. Lee, Consulate General of Canada, Seattle, U.S., said:
WestJet’s first nonstop Seattle-Calgary passenger route will support the continued growth of business and leisure travel between our two great cities. The route will make it easier for Seattle business leaders to take advantage of the innovative and vibrant business ecosystem in Calgary; home to 118 corporate head offices, the world’s fourth lowest effective tax rate, while having easy access to the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks and ski resorts. This new route into WestJet’s Calgary hub enables visitors’ further destinations throughout Canada, making it easier to visit Calgary, Alberta and Canada at-large.
Cindy Ady, CEO, Tourism Calgary, said:
With this new route connecting Calgary and Seattle, WestJet is further supporting the recovery of Calgaryand Alberta’s tourism economy. New airline routes are critical to the recovery of our tourism industry. Convenient air access will result in more visitors to our city, thereby bolstering the economic impact of tourism, which directly contributes over $2.5 billion to Calgary’seconomy each year.
Meanwhile, WestJet recently announced that it will launch flights to Amsterdam and resume flights to London Gatwick. The airline will also expand its services to Hawaii this winter and launch a dedicated cargo arm in 2022. The airline will restart many routes across Canada too.
Featured image by Wikimedia Commons
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