News Releases

Direct flight from Calgary to Japan marks first time WestJet has touched down in Asia

CALGARY, AB, April 30, 2023 /CNW/ - WestJet today celebrated the departure of flight WS80 from YYC Calgary International Airport to Tokyo's Narita International Airport. The airline's first-ever service to Asia marks an important milestone for WestJet as the airline reaffirms its Western Canadian growth strategy and commitment to strengthening Alberta's vibrant visitor economy.

"We are thrilled to see our new service to Tokyo, Japan take flight as we welcome our newest destination to our 787 intercontinental hub at YYC," said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Not only does this new route increase opportunities for business, leisure and cargo customers to expand their horizons in Asia, it also provides an exceptional opportunity to welcome transpacific leisure and business travellers direct to Calgary and Alberta."

"We are delighted about WestJet's new flight between Calgary and Tokyo," said Rob Palmer, Vice President, Commercial, Strategy and Chief Financial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority. "YYC Calgary International Airport is proud to be the first impression of Alberta's western hospitality for many travellers coming to explore the region from Asia. As WestJet's sole connecting global hub, the airline has been a key part of YYC's success. We look forward to continuing to support our partners' growth, and welcoming travellers from around the world."

Tokyo service will operate on the airline's 787 Dreamliner three times per week through October 28, and will return in Spring 2024. Guests travelling between Calgary and Tokyo can expect an elevated experience onboard including Western and Japanese inflight meals, Japanese entertainment options and the comfort of Japanese announcements and menus.

"For decades, Japanese travellers have had a special relationship with Alberta. The Calgary-Tokyo flight represents an important opportunity to rebuild that bridge," said David Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Alberta. "This new flight will deliver approximately $1.1B in potential tourism income and 24,000 passenger seats. We look forward to welcoming back this important international market to our beautiful province."

"The diversity of Indigenous culture on these traditional territories we now call Alberta, is waiting to be shared with guests around the world, but especially the Japanese traveller," said Shae Bird, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Tourism Alberta. "With one in five Japanese travellers expressing interest in our member's offerings, this provides direct access for cultural learning, meaningful connections and lasting relationships with the Japanese market. We look forward to working alongside WestJet in growing Alberta's visitor economy."

WestJet's non-stop flight to Tokyo is just one of many new direct services launching this spring. Guests travelling out of WestJet's hub in Calgary can also connect to Barcelona, Edinburgh and five other European nonstop destinations as part of the airline's already robust international offerings. Full schedule details can be found at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/flights/direct-flights.

In 27 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 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership