WestJet is banking on Calgary as its future hub, moving all its 787 Dreamliners into Calgary International Airport and creating a tourism partnership with the province of Alberta. They’re also talking about using Calgary as a hub for more flights to Europe and even Asia.
Speaking at a news conference in Calgary, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the Alberta-based airline will designate Calgary as its exclusive global connecting hub.
“The WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership, focused on significantly advancing aviation across the province in support of a stronger economy and a long-lasting, sustainable future for Alberta’s aviation sector,” officials said in a press release. “As the airline furthers its growth strategy, WestJet will invest aircraft capacity, with an asset value in excess of seven billion dollars, in Calgary alone, through significant fleet commitments to be based within the province.
“WestJet will designate YYC Calgary International Airport as its single global connecting hub and will concentrate all intercontinental 787 Dreamliner flying in Calgary, unlocking opportunity for new routes within North America, to Europe, with the potential to reach Asia. Alongside the 787s, WestJet will grow its mid-range fleet and strengthen its North American offerings, with its commitment to double capacity in Calgary before the end of the decade.”
WestJet currently bases its 787 Dreamliners in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto, the Calgary Herald reports.
“In addition to Calgary, WestJet plans to grow its network across other Canadian communities, strengthening its footprint in the east and in leisure travel across the entire country, consistent with its strategic plan released in June 2022 and its recent purchase announcement of 42 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft,” officials said.
“Alberta has been WestJet’s home for 26 years and today’s historic agreement builds upon an existing foundation of low taxes and investment-friendly policies. As Western Canada’s home team carrier, Alberta is an area where we want to continue to invest to secure WestJet’s thriving future,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, the WestJet Group. “Through the pandemic and onward, the Government of Alberta prioritized the importance and advancement of aviation and the visitor economy across the province and recognized that aviation is central to the economic diversification of Alberta.”
The agreement between the airline and the Government of Alberta will see the government invest in developing Alberta’s aviation sector. It further lays out strategic, collaborative priorities to ensure provincial policies are aligned and in support of the development of the entire aviation industry in Alberta. The Government of Alberta and the WestJet Group will seek opportunities to address the overall cost-competitiveness challenges for the sector.
“This is a blockbuster day for Alberta and a game-changer for our economy. Diversification and economic development are happening right here in Alberta,” said the Honourable Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta. “By choosing Calgary as its single global hub, locating its entire Dreamliner fleet here, and increasing its annual seat capacity by 80 per cent, WestJet will massively improve global connectivity, tourism and options for passengers.”
“Today is a proud day for our organization as we continue to strengthen our home province with four distinct advantages: affordability, sustainability, infrastructure and people,” continued von Hoensbroech. “This agreement is a testament to WestJet’s commitment to our global hub airport in Calgary, as investments like this can only occur under the right commercial and operational environments. YYC Calgary International Airport is providing us that confidence and with these investments, Calgary can become North America’s most connected mid-sized city.”
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Interesting development as an American, given WestJet’s on-again, off-again relationship with Delta Air Lines. I personally wish WestJet would focus on improving its domestic product since Delta more or less relies upon WestJet for connections to much of Canada. It also seems like they’re missing a huge opportunity by not building out its operations in Toronto. Pearson is well-positioned to get Americans from Chicago, Detroit, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania flying to Europe or Asia. Unfortunately, flying through Pearson is a real hassle though when it works it’s easier than Chicago or JFK.
Does this mean WestJet will layover in Calgary instead of Vancouver for flights to Hawaii?