News Releases

Airline challenges competition in biggest transborder business market

CALGARY, Jan. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today unveiled details of its scheduled service to New York's LaGuardia airport. In November, WestJet successfully bid for eight slot pairs, bringing WestJet's award-winning guest service to the slot-controlled airport preferred by business travellers.

The airline will launch seven non-stop flights each business day between Toronto and New York City starting June 4, 2012. On July 12, WestJet will increase to eight non-stop flights each business day. Flight times offer business travellers the flexibility and convenience to change plans on their day of travel at no cost.

"This is another significant milestone for WestJet," said John MacLeod, WestJet Vice-President, Network Management and Alliances. "Toronto to New York is the largest transborder market from Canada, and this new non-stop service, offered on our Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, will offer business and leisure travellers alike the convenience, comfort and affordability they've been looking for.

"We continue to aggressively target the business traveller, particularly in the eastern triangle," continued John MacLeod. "Just a year ago, WestJet announced its increased service between Toronto-Montreal and Toronto-Ottawa. We believe that our superior operational performance, remarkable guest experience, tailor-made business schedule and now multiple daily flights to New York will meet the needs of those guests flying for business."

The launch of new service comes on the heels of the recently signed code-share agreement with Delta Air Lines. WestJet guests travelling between Toronto and New York will arrive into Delta's main connection area at LaGuardia, allowing connections to Delta's comprehensive U.S. network without additional security screening.

To celebrate the launch, WestJet is introducing a new promotional offer for WestJet Rewards members travelling between Toronto and Montreal and Toronto and Ottawa. For each round-trip flight flown between these eastern triangle cities between January 30 and March 31, 2012, members will earn discounts on future flights to LaGuardia. Members who fly three round-trip flights will earn a free flight (excluding taxes and fees) to the Big Apple. Details and restrictions can be found at westjet.com/rewards.

Full schedule details and great introductory one-way fares from $49 plus applicable taxes and fees are available for a limited time starting Monday, January 30, from both cities. Fares are available by visiting westjet.com, by calling WestJet's Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET (937-8538) or through your preferred travel agent.

With great options at attractive rates, WestJet Vacations is pleased to offer flexible and high-value vacation packages to New York. Guests can experience this arts and entertainment mecca with the ease and convenience of booking flights and hotels together. For more information, visit westjetvacations.com, contact a WestJet Vacations Experience Specialist at 1-877-737-7001 or see your preferred travel agent. Vacation packages will be available for booking on Monday, January 30.

"With great connections throughout our network, we look forward to being the preferred airline to bring guests to New York," concluded John MacLeod. "With low fares and a commitment to a great guest experience, WestJet is excited to welcome guests on board."

Seasonal service between Newark and Calgary will continue to be part of the airline's schedule. Details of this service can be found on westjet.com.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 97 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 38 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

About WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel experiences to 44 destinations in 12 countries, including the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet's fun and friendly image, extensive network and world-class guest experience, WestJet Vacations offers guests a great flight schedule and a wide variety of hotel and resort options to create fun and affordable vacation experiences. For more information, visit www.westjetvacations.com.

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