News Releases

WestJet Encore welcomes Westman to its growing network

CALGARY, Sept. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Today WestJet launches new daily non-stop service between Calgary and Brandon, Manitoba. The first flight leaves Calgary International Airport at 9:50 a.m. MDT and arrives at the Brandon Municipal Airport at 12:50 CDT.

Service into Brandon is operated by WestJet Encore using the new fleet of Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. Expansion of the regional carrier's network into the Brandon area is motivated by a number of strong economic factors that govern the entire Westman area. Brandon has one of the lowest overall business costs across the Canadian Prairies and American Midwest and a diverse portfolio of economic contributors including agri-business, oil drilling and production and Canadian Forces Base Shilo.

"Brandon is an underserved market boasting a wide array of economic activity which, coupled with an exceptional level of enthusiasm for WestJet Encore, is a telling sign of future success," said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. "Air service is of critical importance to encourage further growth in the area and we are pleased to provide greater opportunities for connectivity to the WestJet network while contributing positively to growing interest in the Westman area as a business and leisure hub for the Prairies."

"WestJet's arrival in Brandon connects our region to the rest of the world," said Brandon Mayor Sheri Dector Hirst. "There are no distant places any longer. Not only is this a critical component in our economic development strategy, it enhances the quality of life in Brandon and area by making it easy to stay connected with family or to enjoy a vacation. Whether its business or pleasure, WestJet makes it easy."

"The introduction of non-stop service to Brandon, Manitoba, is a welcome addition to our impressive network out of Calgary International Airport," said Stephan Poirier, Senior Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority. "This newest destination will serve as an important connection for travellers in the region and further strengthens our position as a major hub for Western Canada."

Details of WestJet Encore's new daily, non-stop service between Calgary and Brandon are:

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 87 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 9,600 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. This year, WestJet launched its new regional airline, WestJet Encore.

About WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel experiences to 55 destinations in 18 countries, including the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet's fun and friendly image, extensive network and remarkable 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.

About WestJet Rewards
WestJet Rewards members earn WestJet dollars on WestJet flights, vacation packages and more. WestJet dollars can be used like cash towards the purchase of WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages on any date to any WestJet or WestJet Encore destination with no blackout periods, even on seat sales. More flights equal more benefits, including bonus WestJet dollars and Jet-Aways. Guests who use their WestJet RBC MasterCard will earn WestJet dollars even faster.

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SOURCE: WestJet