WestJet has announced the addition of London Heathrow to its network with nonstop flights from Calgary. The airline already flies to London Gatwick Airport with nonstop flights from Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax.
London expansion
Beginning early Spring 2022, WestJet will operate nonstop flights between Calgary International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. WestJet says that additional network details for travel between Calgary and London Heathrow including frequency, timing and introductory pricing will be available, and for sale, in the coming weeks.
John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet, said:
As the airline with the most flights from Alberta, this is an important recovery milestone as we forge new connections between Canada and one of the world’s most sought after global hubs. We continue to strengthen our network, offering more options for business and leisure travellers and these investments will expedite our industry’s recovery while ensuring Western Canadabuilds back from the pandemic more connected than ever before.
Weatherill added:
We are committed to the expansion of our global hub in Calgary and supporting the recovery of many sectors who rely on travel and tourism. As the airline with the most non-stop European destinations from YYC, we are looking forward to guests benefitting from more options and increased connectivity for travel between Canada and the UK.
These flights will be operated by WestJet’s flagship Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner featuring 16 lie-flat Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats and 276 Economy Class seats (which also includes extra-legroom Economy Class seats). Business Class seats have a 46 inch seat pitch while the Premium Economy seats have a 38 inch seat pitch. Extra-legroom Economy seats have a 35 inch seat pitch and standard Economy seats have a 31 inch seat pitch. All seats feature on-demand seatback entertainment and power. Passengers will also be able to purchase inflight Wi-Fi.
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Bob Sartor, President & CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority, said:
WestJet’s new non-stop route from YYC to London Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, is welcomed by those looking to access the world’s premier financial and business centre and those eager for a direct connection to explore London’s culture and landmarks. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the pond to experience the traditional Indigenous lands and warm hospitality our region is known for.
Service to 2 London Airports next year
WestJet will serve 2 London Airports next year. While it will launch flights between Calgary and London, it will continue to operate flights to London Gatwick Airport from Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax.
While Gatwick is a good airport, the desired airport is Heathrow. Getting the slots to operate there is a challenging endeavor and can come at a high cost. WestJet decided to focus on Gatwick and kept its eyes out for other opportunities. Now, it has found one in Heathrow.
John Holland-Kaye, CEO, London Heathrow Airport, said:
WestJet is a fantastic airline with a strong history of providing top-notch service and excellent value for money, making it a great fit for Heathrow. As travel begins to reopen, we look forward to working with WestJet to improve the UK’s connectivity with Canadaand give passengers even more choice when flying across the Atlantic.
WestJet will compete with Air Canada on Calgary-London Heathrow route. Air Canada presently operates 3-weekly flights on the route. However, in Summer 2022, it plans to fly daily. British Airways used to operate flights between London Heathrow and Calgary but has discontinued the route.
Meanwhile, WestJet has announced that it will fly to 95 destinations this winter.
Featured image by WestJet
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