WestJet Group and the Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) outline partnership achievements, showcasing enhanced connectivity and record-breaking strategic growth

With over 2.4 million seats serving Winnipeg this year, WestJet and the WAA continue to strengthen travel options for both business and leisure in Manitoba's capital 

CALGARY, AB, Oct. 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the WestJet Group met with the WAA to deliver a progress update on the airline's successful growth strategy for Winnipeg, highlighting an impressive 21 per cent growth for 2024 in Manitoba's capital.

"This winter, we will further expand to serve 22 destinations out of Winnipeg, compared to 18 last winter, increasing our capacity by 35 per cent, marking both record growth for us in the community and our largest capacity boost at any airport in Western Canada this season," said von Hoensbroech. "Our steadfast commitment to Winnipeg is evident year-round, through our investments and our strong partnership with the WAA, WestJet is well-positioned to continue enhancing travel options for both leisure and business travellers alike."

WestJet unlocks same-day business itineraries for Winnipeg's business community through domestic network enhancements

WestJet's domestic service to Winnipeg has grown year-over-year by 43 per cent, allowing for the introduction of same-day itineraries uniquely tailored for Manitoba's business community, substantially strengthening connections to essential markets across Canada for the community.

Route	Peak Weekly Winter Departures	Frequency Increase Per cent
Winnipeg-Montreal	5x Weekly*	New route
Winnipeg-Edmonton	16x Weekly*	167 per cent
Winnipeg-Regina	10x Weekly*	150 per cent
Winnipeg-Vancouver	11x Weekly*	120 per cent
Winnipeg-Calgary	46x Weekly*	31 per cent
Winnipeg-Ottawa	5x Weekly*	25 per cent
Winnipeg-Saskatoon	12x Weekly*	9 per cent
Winnipeg-Thunder Bay	7x Weekly	--
Winnipeg-Toronto	20x Weekly	--

*Increased frequency

Winnipeg benefits from expansive transborder and leisure network

In addition to enhancing its domestic offerings, the airline is boosting Winnipeg's global connectivity this fall and winter with new transborder services to Atlanta and three exciting leisure destinations: Los Cabos, Nashville, and Fort Lauderdale. These additions will serve over 9,000 passengers looking to explore these vibrant locations, complementing WestJet's extensive sun and leisure schedule and further linking Winnipeg to sought-after Latin American and Caribbean markets.

Route	Peak Weekly Winter Departures	Frequency Increase Per cent
Latin Caribbean
Winnipeg-San Jose del Cabo	1x Weekly*	New route
Winnipeg-Cancun	7x Weekly*	40 per cent
Winnipeg-Puerto Vallarta	7x Weekly*	17 per cent
Winnipeg-Montego Bay	2x Weekly	--
Winnipeg-Huatulco	1x Weekly	--
Transborder connectivity
Winnipeg-Fort Lauderdale	1x Weekly*	New route
Winnipeg-Phoenix	4x Weekly*	33 per cent
Winnipeg-Atlanta	5x Weekly	--
Winnipeg-Los Angeles	3x Weekly	--
Winnipeg-Las Vegas	2x Weekly	--
Winnipeg-Orlando	3x Weekly	--
Winnipeg-Palm Springs	2x Weekly	--

"WAA is proud to enhance connectivity for our community, delivering the travel options they deserve. Our growing partnership with WestJet reflects a shared commitment to our province, offering more flights to more destinations from YWG and providing traveller's with greater choice and convenience," Nick Hays, Winnipeg Airports Authority President & CEO.

Western Canada's home team carrier championing affordability and accessibility

Earlier this year, WestJet introduced its UltraBasic fare option, the airline's lowest priced option, providing flexibility and choice across every single route in our network. Through WestJet's commitment to increasing affordability of air travel, the airline has enabled more than 1.4 million Manitobans to fly through WS expanded network. By year-end we expect that number to rise close to 2 million guests. 

About WestJet 

In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 14,000 employees, 200 aircraft, and more than 100 destinations in 25 countries. 

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Recent recognition includes: 

2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)  
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)  

SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

Media contacts: To contact WestJet media relations, please email [email protected].