WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta will start a partnership to expand the province’s airline industry in support of a stronger and more sustainable Alberta aviation economy. As the Canadian airline moves forward with its long-term growth strategy, the company will invest in larger aircraft to offer increased seating capacity in the region.
WestJet will designate Calgary International Airport (YYC) as its main global hub where it will concentrate its entire intercontinental fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, from where it will open new routes from to Europe and potentially to reach Asia.
Together with the 787 and its short/medium haul fleet, Canada’s second largest carrier expects to double capacity from its hub in Calgary (YYC) before the end of the decade.
In addition to expansion from Alberta’s main city, WestJet plans to grow its network from other regions of Canada, in line with the strategic plan released in June 2022 and the recent order for 42 Boeing 737 MAX 10s.
«Alberta has been home to WestJet for 26 years and today’s landmark agreement builds on an existing foundation of low taxes and investment-friendly policies. As the home team carrier for Western Canada, Alberta is an area we want to continue to invest in to ensure WestJet’s prosperous future,» said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group chief executive officer.
«During the pandemic and beyond, the Government of Alberta prioritizes the importance and advancement of aviation and the visitor economy across the province and recognized that aviation is critical to Alberta’s economic diversification,» von Hoensbroech added.
Currently, WestJet operates a fleet of seven 320-seat Boeing 787-9s in a three-class configuration, the European network from Calgary (YYC) offering year-round service to London – Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW) and Amsterdam (AMS) (resumes from November 14) and seasonal routes to Dublin (DUB), Paris (CDG) and Rome – Fiumicino (FCO).
The agreement between the airline and the Alberta government will allow the state to invest in the development of Alberta’s aviation industry. It also establishes strategic priorities for collaboration to ensure consistency in provincial policies and support the development of the province’s airline industry.
«By choosing Calgary as its only global hub, locating its entire Dreamliner fleet here and increasing its annual seat capacity by 80 per cent, WestJet will greatly enhance global connectivity, tourism and passenger choice,» said Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta.
See also: WestJet places order for 42 Boeing 737 MAX and 22 options
