WestJet Invests in YYC as its Strategic Hub

Today, WestJet announced its winter schedule with a significant investment into YYC Calgary International Airport. With an emphasis on building Calgary as their connecting hub, they announced several additions to frequencies on popular routes across Canada and sun destinations, along with adding a new weekly service from Calgary to Belize.
“We know that WestJet has always seen Calgary as a strong connections platform to grow their business,” said Bob Sartor, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. “However, today’s announcement signifies an immense investment into YYC as a strategic partner.”
WestJet’s decision to invest more in Calgary is driven by a desire to continue to grow their hometown hub and to better align connecting times for business and leisure travellers. The additional increase in service of popular routes from Calgary, will allow WestJet to connect even more passengers to the 55 non-stop destinations that WestJet serves out of Calgary.
“WestJet provides more service at YYC than any other carrier and we are committed to continuing to expand our presence in the years to come,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “We are pleased to announce new service to Belize as well as an additional 52 flights per week this winter which will help drive growth at the airport and in the community.”
YYC Calgary International Airport has been the home of WestJet since it started service in 1996, when it served five domestic destinations with three aircraft. Its network out of YYC has grown significantly to 113 daily flights including its first transatlantic flight out of Calgary with London-Gatwick launching in 2016. In 2012, the airline also chose YYC to be it home base and head office location for its regional airline, Encore, which now serves 31 daily flights to 16 destinations across Canada.

About the Calgary Airport Authority

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit, non-share capital organization, incorporated under the Alberta Regional Airports Authorities Act, and is responsible for the safe, secure and efficient management of the YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Springbank Airport (YBW) under long-term lease from the Government of Canada. YYC’s mandate is to advance economic and community development by providing improved airline and transportation services for the benefit of the public. The Authority has invested over $4 billion into the continued development of YYC, opening Canada’s longest runway in 2014 and a new International Terminal in 2016. YYC is a key economic driver for Calgary and Alberta, generating more than $8 billion in economic activity annually and creating 48,000 jobs.