WestJet CEO Commits to More Air Connectivity for Newfoundland

WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech concluded his inaugural visit to Atlantic Canada in St. John's, Newfoundland, on 02MAY.

Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group's renewed commitment to the region through recent network enhancements unfolding across the province's key airports this summer, including increased east-to-west domestic air service and enhanced leisure service through the resumption of seasonal transatlantic service to London (Gatwick) and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter.

"We have heard loud and clear from both the city and the province on the importance of the WestJet Group's presence in the region. We are committed to leveraging our aircraft to further enhance Atlantic Canada's accessibility through thoughtful and targeted air connections, facilitating critical domestic, leisure and global air links to St. John's and the broader province," said von Hoensbroech.

In his remarks, von Hoensbroech provided an overview of the WestJet Group's ongoing investments in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• On 01MAY 2024, the WestJet Group restarted service between St. John's (YYT) and London (LGW), providing the community with nonstop service to one of Europe's global travel hubs and filling what it says is the province's largest air access gap.
• WestJet will increase seat capacity by 35% compared to 2023.
• WestJet will operate 36 weekly flights out of YYT during peak summer this year, a 20% increase in total weekly flights compared to 2023.
• WestJet will return service to Deer Lake (YDF) this spring, with new nonstop seasonal service to Calgary (YYC) on 18MAY, 2024 and the restart of service to Toronto (YYZ) on 16MAY, 2024.

Enhanced connectivity

• Year-round flights to Orlando, Florida and extended seasonal service to Tampa, Florida.
• Year-round flights to WestJet's global hub in Calgary, where guests are one flight away from a list of international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan.
• Direct connectivity to 12 destinations out of  YYT, including four domestic destinations, two transborder destinations, five popular sun destinations, along with a transatlantic connection to London.
• As a part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing will provide nonstop access to five key sun destinations, including Montego Bay, Cancun, Cayo Coco, Matanzas, and Punta Cana, from three critical communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, including St. John's, Deer Lake, and Gander, in 2024.

“As a Government, we have worked hard to build air access to our province and WestJet has risen to the occasion, reestablishing a direct route to Europe with the St. John’s – London Gatwick route and expanding its offerings on the east and west coasts,” said Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Air access is critical to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Our tourism and hospitality industry relies heavily on the ability to get visitors to our province. WestJet’s continued commitment to working with us and our airport partners to expand service to the province has made a significant impact on our ability to grow visitation to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Recreation.

Dennis Hogan, CEO of the St. John’s International Airport Authority, added, “Coinciding with the resumption of non-stop service to London-Gatwick earlier this week, Alexis’ engagement with community stakeholders and overview of WestJet’s strategic vision reaffirms their commitment to our market.”