News Releases

Airline brings new non-stop flights to the Harbour City

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

"The announcement of the first cities to be served by WestJet Encore is an historic moment for this new airline," said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore, and Executive Vice-President, WestJet. "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."

"We are very excited to launch non-stop service to the Harbour City," said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. "Nanaimo is the second-largest city on Vancouver Island and a destination for both business and leisure travel. It has a large trading area and ties to other regions in the country. This new service will also link a large geographical area of the island with Calgary and our large domestic, transborder and international network."

"I am absolutely thrilled with the announcement that WestJet will officially launch their new passenger service between Nanaimo and Calgary," said Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan. "This new service will allow passengers the convenience of direct air service between these cities without the need to transfer in Vancouver. Nanaimo passengers will now be able to conveniently access the many domestic and transborder flights available through WestJet's Calgary hub. This will also open many new exciting economic opportunities both here in Nanaimo and in Calgary. More and more residents of central Vancouver Island have chosen to work in the oil sand projects, and this new service will provide a very convenient travel option not previously available."

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

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 NextGen 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.

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 Nanaimo, WestJet will recognize Teresa D., a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer, for her tireless efforts on behalf of the agency and her 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