News Releases

Airline continues to provide more choice and connectivity to Cranbrook, Lethbridge,
Lloydminster, Medicine Hat and Prince George regions

CALGARY, June 20, 2019 /CNW/ - WestJet's newest air service, WestJet Link is celebrating carrying more than 195,000 guests in its first year of operation between Calgary and five cities in British Columbia and Alberta.

Since its inception last June, WestJet Link has operated over 7,000 flights between WestJet's home and largest hub in Calgary to Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat and Prince George. Guests from these areas have benefitted from more choice, lower fares and better connectivity through the service.

"WestJet Link is working the way it was designed to give guests convenient access to the WestJet network along with a caring experience from start to finish," said Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President Network Planning and Alliances. "We're thrilled to celebrate its successful first year of service and thank our loyal guests in these communities for choosing WestJet Link to take them to Calgary or beyond. We look forward to operating many more flights together alongside our partners at Pacific Coastal."

WestJet Link is operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines using its fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft. Each aircraft includes six seats available in WestJet Premium, offering guests advanced boarding, no-charge for two checked bags and seating at the front of the aircraft.

"We are proud to operate these connecting flights under our Capacity Purchase Agreement with WestJet and are excited to be celebrating the first anniversary," said Quentin Smith, President of Pacific Coastal Airlines.

"Congratulations to WestJet Link and Pacific Coastal Airlines on a very successful first year of connecting more guests through YYC to their destination," said Michael Hayward, Vice President, Marketing and Guest Experience, The Calgary Airport Authority. "The frequency and comfort of the flights builds on the successful strategic relationship between WestJet and our airport."

WestJet continues to offer more flights than any other airline to more destinations from Calgary with an average of 975 flights per week to 67 non-stop destinations.

Additional Quotes:
"We are delighted that WestJet Link has been a success and continues to grow in our community," said Lethbridge Mayor, Chris Spearman. "Air passenger traffic has increased by 80 per cent in the last 12 months and this is due in large part to the addition of services from WestJet Link. The Lethbridge Airport is an important economic driver for our region and we welcome the additional travel options our residents now have and appreciate WestJet as a key partner in the future success of our airport."

"We are thrilled to celebrate with WestJet on their first anniversary in Medicine Hat," said Ted Clugston, Mayor of the City of Medicine Hat. "The airline has provided numerous opportunities for our residents and the business community. WestJet has been a fantastic addition to our community. We are looking forward to many more years of service."

"We are delighted with the service that WestJet Link has brought to our airport and region, and the exciting connections that our passengers can now make through WestJet's Calgary hub," said John Gibson, President and CEO of Prince George Airport.

"Since WestJet began serving the Kootenay Rockies Region at YXC one year ago, we've seen rapid acceleration toward our growth goals in tourism, business and economic development in general," said Canadian Rockies International Airport Manager, Tristen Chernove. "It's been terrific to see how well utilized the service has been right from the start and we are very excited to see what the future brings as WestJet and the Kootenay Rockies reach toward their potential."

Pacific Coastal Airlines
A privately owned, British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal (YVR), Pacific Coastal is the third largest airline at YVR in annual takeoffs and landings. It flies to 15 airports and connects to more than 50 destinations in the province, from as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Prince George and Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii.

About WestJet
Together with WestJet's 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 proud to be recognized for three consecutive years as Best Airline in Canada (2017-19) and awarded among travellers' favourite Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (2019). From 2017-2018, WestJet was also awarded among travellers' favorite Mid-Sized and Low-Cost Airlines in North America. The airline was also recognized among the Economy Class winners in North America, 2018. All awards are based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook.

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:
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)
2018/2017 Winner Among Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 Winner – Economy, North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)
2018 North America's Best Low-Cost Airline (Skytrax)
2018/2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)

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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership