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Regional carrier's head office will be in Calgary

CALGARY, Oct. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced that Calgary will be home to WestJet Encore's headquarters. The decision was made after a thorough review of various airports and a variety of factors. With consideration to the operational needs of WestJet Encore during its initial launch phase and as it grows to full maturity, Calgary was determined to be the best fit for the airline and its people.

WestJet and the Calgary Airport Authority will conduct a joint study to determine the exact location of an anticipated 40,000 square foot maintenance facility and office space. Its specific location will be announced once a final decision is made. WestJetters who will provide corporate support to WestJet Encore will be located in WestJet's LEED Gold certified campus building, also located in Calgary.

"We're very pleased to announce that WestJet Encore's headquarters will be in Calgary," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "Calgary has been WestJet's home since we began operations in 1996. As WestJet Encore looks to replicate the success of WestJet, the decision to do so from a Calgary headquarters felt right for us operationally and felt right for our WestJetters. We're happy to welcome the Calgary International Airport to our new WestJet Encore family."

"Today's announcement by WestJet is great news for YYC, the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta," said Garth Atkinson, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority. "WestJet already has a significant corporate and operational presence at YYC and the addition of the WestJet Encore head office and maintenance facility will greatly enhance the vitality of YYC as a major Canadian hub airport."

The location of the headquarters will not determine where the airline's operations will begin next year. As previously communicated, a list of the first communities to be served by WestJet Encore will be announced in early 2013 with eventual service from coast to coast.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 8,600 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of 99 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft with future confirmed deliveries for an additional 36 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft through 2018 and plans to launch a low-cost regional airline in 2013, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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SOURCE: WestJet