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CALGARY, May 4 /CNW/ - WestJet today held the grand opening of its new headquarters, bringing over 1,000 WestJetters under one roof while striving for the most advanced environmental design and engineering.

Built at a cost of $100 million, the six-storey, 322,000 square foot Campus stands next to WestJet's Hangar adjacent to the Calgary International Airport in northeast Calgary. Previously, WestJet office staff worked out of seven separate buildings in the northeast quadrant of the city.

"This is a very special day in the history of WestJet," said Sean Durfy, President and CEO. "For a people-focused culture like ours, bringing so many of our WestJetters together under one roof was extremely important right from the very beginning of the project. To be able to do that in a building that is energy efficient and respects the environment makes us even prouder of this incredible facility."

The new Campus was designed and built by Albertans. Stantec provided the architects, designers, mechanical and electrical engineering, CANA Construction served as general contractor, and Sunterra provided a full-service "Sunterra Market".

"This was a massive undertaking, and we certainly couldn't have done it without our partners," said Fred Ring, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Projects. "We will complete the Campus on time and on budget, thanks in large part to their excellent teamwork and professionalism."

Approximately 1,550 WestJetters work in the Campus with another 200 in the adjacent hangar complex. Construction on the Campus began in June 2007 and will be complete later this spring.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.