News Releases

First Canadian airline operating nonstop from Calgary to Denver

CALGARY, March 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, with the departure of flight 1570 from Calgary International Airport (YYC), WestJet becomes the first Canadian airline flying nonstop to Denver International Airport (DEN) from Calgary. The new service operates daily year-round.

"Denver is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts or those looking for the combination of cowboy heritage and cosmopolitan chic," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "We are proud to offer our guests this exciting destination with mass appeal. These added flights further demonstrate WestJet continues to provide the widest choice of destinations out of Calgary and the greatest convenience of all airlines flying from YYC."

Canada has very strong links to Colorado, and Calgary has very strong links to Denver – both from a commercial and tourism perspective.  Canada ranks as Colorado's largest trading partner, and the second-largest foreign investor in the state.  Alberta ranks as the second-largest Canadian province in terms of visitors to Colorado.

"The new service on WestJet between Denver and Calgary connects two of the most dynamic cities in North America," said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock.  "The investment by WestJet into Denver will result in 150 new jobs and nearly $20 million in annual economic impact, further strengthening Denver's economy and global reach."

Calgary ranks as Denver's third-largest destination in Canada with a demand for travel of nearly 150 people each day.  Overall Canada ranks as Denver's second-largest country for international travel, behind only Mexico.

"We are very pleased to welcome WestJet as our newest airline partner," said Kim Day, CEO of Denver International Airport.  "As DEN's ninth foreign-flag carrier, WestJet will provide a truly unique experience for travellers to Calgary and beyond across WestJet's growing international network."

Overall, WestJet's guests in Calgary now have a total of 51 different WestJet destinations, including 13 U.S. destinations to choose from, more than any other airline flying out of Calgary International Airport. Over the last 10 years, WestJet has increased its capacity out of YYC by 58 per cent, and accounts for over 54 per cent of the seat capacity out of the city.

"Growing our non-stop destinations across the U.S. and internationally is an important part of ensuring that our tourism and business sectors in Calgary can continue to flourish," said Bob Sartor, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority.

Details of WestJet's non-stop service to Denver, Colorado:

About WestJet
WestJet is proud to be named Best Airline in Canada and one of the best Low Cost Airlines in North America, based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on Trip Advisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook. Together with our regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships. WestJet Vacations offers affordable, flexible vacations to more than 60 destinations and the choice of more than 800 hotels, resorts, condos and villas.  Members of the WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of flights and vacations packages to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods, and have access to Member Exclusive fares offering deals to WestJet destinations throughout our network and those of our partner airlines.

WestJet is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol WJA. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

Recent recognition includes:
2017 Five-Star Airline in the Low-Cost Category (The Airline Passenger Experience Association)
2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
2017 Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice Winner Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2016 Canada's most reputable company for Corporate Social Responsibility (Reputation Institute)
2016/2015/2014/2013/2012 Ranked top three for Canadian Brands (Canadian Business Magazine)
2016/2015/2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (MoneySense magazine)
2015/2011/2010/2008/2007/2006/2005 Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture (Waterstone Human Capital)
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet 
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About Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is the 18th-busiest airport in the world and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States. With 61.4 million passengers traveling through the airport each year, DEN is one of the busiest airline hubs in the world's largest aviation market. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $26 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. For current employment opportunities, visit jobs.flydenver.com.

About Calgary Airport Authority
The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Calgary Airport Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport (YBW). YYC is an important economic engine for the city, region and province, welcoming 16.3 million passengers in 2017, supporting more than 48,000 jobs and generating billions of GDP per annum in economic activity.

Twitter: @FlyYYC

SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership