News Releases

WestJet Encore launches new Fort McMurray services

New non-stop daily flights from Vancouver and Kelowna begin today

CALGARY, May 12, 2014 /CNW/ - WestJet today inaugurated new non-stop daily service between Kelowna, B.C., and Fort McMurray and between Vancouver and Fort McMurray. Both services are offered by WestJet Encore using its fleet of Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Today, WestJet also launched a third daily flight between Calgary and Fort McMurray using the same type of aircraft.

"These new services represent unprecedented opportunities for our guests to access Fort McMurray and the energy sector that is so integral to the local, provincial and national economy," said John Weatherill, WestJet's Director, Network and Schedule Planning. "It will now be less expensive and faster than ever before for workers to commute from the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver, Calgary and beyond. For example, business travellers will now be able to fly between Calgary and Fort McMurray and return the same day, making WestJet an even more attractive option for those travelling for work."

John Weatherill also noted that the new service to Kelowna, in particular, also greatly improves tourism opportunities for the entire Okanagan Valley. "We know the connection for commuters is a strong one," he said, "but this new service will also benefit tourism in the valley. We hope to see residents of Northern Alberta take advantage of the many beautiful attractions and vacation opportunities throughout the Okanagan."

Details of new daily non-stop service between Kelowna and Fort McMurray:

Route Frequency Departing Arriving Effective
Kelowna-Fort McMurray Daily 7:30 a.m. 10:28 a.m. May 12, 2014
Fort McMurray-Kelowna Daily 10:30 p.m. 11:37 p.m. May 12, 2014

Fares are available starting from:

Departing Arriving Air
transportation
charges (ATC)
Taxes,
fees and
charges
Total
one-way
price from
Base
fare
from
Other
ATC
Kelowna Fort McMurray $99 $18 $29.08 $146.08*CAD
Fort McMurray Kelowna $99 $18 $44.83 $161.83*CAD

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

Details of new daily non-stop service between Vancouver and Fort McMurray:

Route Frequency Departing Arriving Effective
Vancouver-Fort McMurray Daily 1:40 p.m. 5:09 p.m. May 12, 2014
Fort McMurray-Vancouver Daily 11:00 a.m. 12:36 p.m. May 12, 2014

Fares are available starting from:

Departing Arriving Air transportation
charges (ATC)
Taxes,
fees and
charges
Total
one-way
price from
Base
fare
from
Other
ATC
Vancouver Fort McMurray $109 $18 $34.83 $161.83*CAD
Fort McMurray Vancouver $109 $18 $45.33 $172.33*CAD

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

Details of new additional non-stop service between Calgary and Fort McMurray:

Route Frequency Departing Arriving Effective
Calgary-Fort McMurray Daily 8:20 p.m. 9:43 p.m. May 12, 2014
Fort McMurray-Calgary Daily 6 p.m. 7:43 p.m. May 12, 2014

In addition to service from Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton, WestJet also has daily non-stop service to Fort McMurray from Toronto.

About WestJet

We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers.  We offer scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries.  Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more.  Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods ̶ even on seat sales.  For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes:

2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)

2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)

2013 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)

2013 Gold Stevie Award Best Transportation Company (American Business Awards)

2013 Chairman's Circle Award: WestJet Vacations (CPSC)

2013 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Leger Marketing)

2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine)

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SOURCE WestJet

For further information:

Media contact:
Media Relations, 1-888-WJ-4-NEWS (1-888-954-6397), media@westjet.com.