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Regional airline marks another key milestone en route to launch

CALGARY, June 12, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet announced today that Transport Canada has issued an air operator certificate (AOC) for WestJet Encore, which launches service in Western Canada on June 24, 2013.

An air operator certificate is granted following an extensive application process whereby Transport Canada determines whether or not a company's facilities and organizational structure, including properly licensed and qualified personnel, meet the applicable requirements. Transport Canada then determines the applicant has the ability to operate the service safely, properly and in accordance with the regulating standards and procedures detailed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

"This is an important and exciting milestone in the brief history of WestJet Encore," said Ferio Pugliese, Executive Vice-President, and President, WestJet Encore. "This certification is the result of many months of hard work by many WestJetters to create this airline from the ground up, and I am incredibly proud of our team. Because of them, we now have our license to operate, our first two aircraft and the first group of WestJetters hired and ready to launch on June 24."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 86 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.  2013 marks the launch of WestJet's new regional airline, WestJet Encore.

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SOURCE: WestJet