News Releases
CALGARY, PARIS, and AMSTERDAM, July 16 /CNW/ - WestJet, Air France and KLM announced that, as of today, the two European companies will offer interline itineraries that connect guests into WestJet's Canadian network. Initially, connections will be made through the gateways of Calgary and Vancouver, with the option to continue on to Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton.
"This announcement marks WestJet's successful first step in our strategic partnership with Air France and KLM," commented Dr. Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Commercial Distribution. "Starting with only three Canadian cities allows us to take a measured and thoughtful approach to implementation, with the intent to expand this travel to our entire Canadian network. We are pleased to have the capabilities in place to start this interline relationship and excited to work with Air France and KLM."
This interline agreement allows guests to board an Air France or KLM flight and travel on one itinerary to their final destination in WestJet's network. This is an important strategic move, prior to the airlines potentially broadening their relationship with a reciprocal interline agreement and a code-sharing agreement.
This announcement supports WestJet's strategy to increase connectivity, bring additional travellers to its network and offer more access for its guests to new destinations, while allowing Air France and KLM a great opportunity to strengthen their position in Canada.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 66-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.
About Air France and KLM
The business combination agreement concluded in September 2003 between Air France and KLM gave rise to Europe's number one air transport group in May 2004, based on a holding company and two airlines with their own brands and identity and three core businesses. The combination of Air France and KLM creates a unique global network, based on the hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol. The Group represents 73,8 million passengers, 244 destinations worldwide and a fleet of 621 aircraft. This reflects its newfound position as the global market leader in terms of revenues, with a total revenue of 23,97 billion euros in 2008/2009.
Air France upped its number of daily flights out of Montreal for Paris to four in May 2009, while KLM launched its Calgary-Amsterdam service with five weekly flights. Air France and KLM operate a total of 67 flights a week between Paris-Charles de Gaulle/Amsterdam-Schiphol and Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
Caution regarding forward-looking statements (WestJet)
Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding the nature and implementation of the anticipated commercial relationship between WestJet and Air France-KLM, contain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. These forward-looking statements are based on the carriers' current implementation and operational plans but may vary based on factors including but not limited to the ability of the parties to reach mutually agreeable definitive agreements, guest demand, general economic conditions, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, if any, and the availability of sufficient technology. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available through the Internet on WestJet's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. WestJet does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as is required by law.