News Releases

Fort St. John and Nanaimo, B.C. first two communities to receive WestJet Encore service

CALGARY, Feb. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced the launch of new non-stop daily service to Fort St. John and Nanaimo, British Columbia. The service will be operated by WestJet Encore's fleet of Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, and includes new daily service between Vancouver and Victoria.

"The announcement of the first two cities to be served by WestJet Encore is an historic moment for this new airline," said Ferio Pugliese, Executive Vice-President, WestJet, and President, WestJet Encore. "As Canada's low-fare leader, we look forward to introducing our award-winning guest experience to Canadians in smaller communities while connecting to our network of 85 destinations in 18 countries."

In June 2012, representatives from more than 30 Canadian cities came to WestJet's Calgary campus to convey their interest in WestJet Encore. Fort St. John and Nanaimo are the first two cities, and others will be added in the future.

"We are just getting started," said Ferio Pugliese. "The communities that are not part of today's announcement continue to be under consideration as we take delivery of additional aircraft later this year and in the years to come."

Details of the new daily service between Calgary, Fort St. John, Vancouver and Victoria are:

Introductory one-way fares are:

*Some restrictions apply.  Please see westjet.com for full details.

Details of the new daily service between Calgary and Nanaimo are:

Introductory one-way fares are:

*Some restrictions apply.  Please see westjet.com for full details.

WestJet Encore will take delivery of its first two Canadian-built, 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft in June 2013 and add five more by the end of the year. WestJet has firm orders for a total of 20 Q400s and options for an additional 25 over the next six years.

"Strategically, providing access to more Canadians as well as using WestJet Encore to fly new non-stops and enhance our frequency between markets will not only enable incremental growth from new markets but also enhance our overall value for the business market," said Ferio Pugliese.

"Today, more than 50 WestJetters are flying into Fort St. John and Nanaimo to begin our relationship with those communities," he added. "We are committed to winning the hearts and minds of these communities through our low fares, remarkable guest experience and fun, friendly and caring service."

WestJet is committed to the communities it serves through its community investment programs, WestJetters Caring for our Community and WestJet Cares for Kids. Today, in Fort St. John and Nanaimo, WestJet will recognize one Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer from each of the two cities for their tireless efforts on behalf of the agency and their community. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of WestJet's six national charitable partners dedicated to the health and wellness of children.

Special WestJet Rewards offer

Join WestJet Rewards and book a flight originating from either Fort St. John or Nanaimo by February 28, 2013, for travel until October 26, 2013, and you'll receive a bonus of $25 WestJet dollars once travel is completed.* Join today at westjet.com/rewards.

The fine print:

*To qualify for this bonus offer, you must be a member of WestJet Rewards and book a flight originating from Fort St. John or Nanaimo by February 28, 2013, for travel until October 26, 2013. Enrolment in WestJet Rewards prior to flight date is required and your nine-digit WestJet ID must be included on the booking. Bonus will be awarded after travel is completed. This offer is valid with the purchase of a published fare of a regularly scheduled flight marketed by WestJet. WestJet Vacations' bookings and partner-marketed flights are not eligible for this offer. Please allow up to 30 days after travel is completed for the bonus to be processed to your account. Limit of one bonus per member. Bonus WestJet dollars have no cash value and are subject to current program terms and conditions. Offer is subject to change without notice. For more information on WestJet Rewards, visit westjet.com/rewards.

® WestJet dollars is a registered trademark of WestJet Airlines Ltd.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 85 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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About WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel experiences to 52 destinations in 18 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.

SOURCE: WestJet