13 February 2023

WestJet Makes Huge Bump in Edmonton Flights; Porter Adds Ottawa-PEI

WestJet today revealed significantly increased transborder connectivity from Edmonton International Airport, with new routes from Edmonton to London, Ontario Moncton, Charlottetown and the resumption of nonstop flights to Ottawa, Montreal, Nanaimo and Penticton. The airline also announced non-stop service from Edmonton to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington as part of its 2023 summer schedule.

WestJet’s renewed commitment to Edmonton will see the airline’s service increase by almost 50% this summer when compared to 2022. Additionally, today’s announcement underpins WestJet’s strategic ambitions to grow its presence across Western Canada and further strengthens Canada’s east to west connectivity.

“Since our first day of operation in February 1996 to reaffirming our commitment to the city and region almost exactly 27 years later, Edmonton is an integral part of WestJet’s beginnings and our future,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “As WestJet continues to own our position as the undisputed home-team carrier of Western Canada, I am grateful to be celebrating our renewed focus on Edmonton alongside our valued partners as we take strides to energize the city’s two-way tourism opportunities and bolster its accessibility for business and leisure travellers.”

The Art Gallery of Alberta is a gorgeous building in Edmonton.

Rounding out Alberta’s growing and thriving aviation hub

WestJet’s summer schedule serving Alberta builds on the airline’s foundational support of the province that will allow for its leisure, cargo and business economies to thrive like never before. With five new additions and the restart of four destinations to Edmonton’s network, WestJet will serve 21 domestic and four transborder destinations from Alberta’s capital this summer.

Details of WestJet’s new summer service from Edmonton

Destination	Start Date	Peak Season Frequency	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Minneapolis (MSP) *New	June 2	5x weekly	08:15	11:46
Seattle (SEA) *New	May 19	5x weekly	10:30	11:30
Charlottetown (YYG) *New	June 14	1x weekly	10:25	17:58
Moncton (YQM) *New	June 29	2x weekly	10:25	17:57
Penticton (YYF)¹	July 1	2x weekly	11:00	11:27
Nanaimo (YCD) ¹*Year-Round	Year- round	2x weekly	10:30	11:29
London (YXU) *New	May 19	2x weekly	10:25	15:52
Ottawa (YOW) ¹	April 30	6x weekly	09:00	14:43
Montreal¹	June 30	2x weekly	01:00	07:03
¹ Resumption of service last operated in 2021

Cycling is a great way to enjoy the gentle island of PEI and Prince Edward Island National Park. PHOTO BY JOHN SYLVESTER/PARKS CANADA

PORTER LAUNCHES OTTAWA-CHARLOTTETOWN ROUTE: FIRST FLIGHTS TO PEI

Porter Airlines is launching direct service between Ottawa International Airport and Charlottetown Airport, with flights taking off on May 17.

The new daily, non-stop route is to be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine in glassware will be experienced by all passengers. PorterReserve, a new, all-inclusive fare, also provides dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.

“Porter is continuing to invest in regional flying across Eastern Canada,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Charlottetown is an entirely new destination for us and the addition of Prince Edward Island means that Porter is serving every Atlantic Canada province for the first time.”

Porter currently serves Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax and St. John’s, N.L., in the region.

Porter will be the only airline offering daily non-stop service between Ottawa and Charlottetown, with flights initially available until the last week of October. Introductory roundtrip fares start at $297, including taxes and fees. Connections are currently available from Charlottetown to Thunder Bay, Toronto City, and Toronto Pearson.

CANADA JETLINES DELAYS FLORIDA FLIGHTS

Canada Jetlines will postpone its launch of service between Toronto and Melbourne Orlando International Airport, citing “unforeseen operational issues.”

Florida Today reports that Canada Jetlines was slated to begin two nonstop flights per week between Toronto Pearson and Melbourne on January 19. That start date was delayed to Feb. 16. Melbourne Airport officials last week said there’s been another “open-ended” delay.

Melbourne with Toronto Pearson International Airport on Jan. 19.

“Once these issues are resolved, (Canada Jetlines) will announce details regarding updated flight schedules,” officials said.

Tagged as: Canada Jetlines, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Melbourne, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Montreal, Ottawa Airport, Porter Airlines, Quebec, Seattle, Washington

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