For the 2023 summer season, WestJet is strengthening cross-border and domestic operations from its main hub in Calgary (YYC). The Canadian airline will introduce new routes, resume multiple destinations, and increase flights on key services.
“We are thrilled to expand our network and provide our guests with the substantial opportunity to explore the U.S. and Canada from coast to coast this summer,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group’s CEO.
“From increased domestic options to expanded regional and cross-border connectivity across Western Canada, our summer program demonstrates our unwavering commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Canadian travelers and ensuring we are the friendly, reliable and affordable airline they love,” added von Hoensbroech.
With strengthened domestic and cross-border connectivity, WestJet will increase its Calgary (YYC) operations by 30% when compared to 2022 levels.
More flights to the United States
WestJet will have new U.S. destinations to Washington – Dulles (IAD) and Detroit (DTW), resume nonstop services to Austin (AUS) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and increase operations to Houston – Intercontinental (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS) and Palm Springs (PSP).
According to data obtained by Aviacionline through Cirium, by July 2023, the airline will increase its U.S. capacity by adding 15,648 weekly seats in its summer schedule.
Part of WestJet’s growth in the U.S. is due to its partnership with Delta Air Lines, operating from the U.S. carrier’s major hubs offers customers access to more than 150 U.S. destinations, plus benefits in both airlines’ frequent flyer programs and lounge access.
The Canadian carrier will be providing service to Minneapolis (MSP), Detroit (DTW), Seattle (SEA), Atlanta (ATL), New York (LGA/JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and Boston (BOS), which are Delta’s main hubs.
Scheduling of new services and route resumption
Austin, Texas (AUS)
Starts May 18, 2023
- Calgary – Austin Flight WS 1480 YYC 09:40 – AUS 14:30 Thursday and Sunday.
- Austin – Calgary Flight WS 1481 AUS 15:25 – YYC 18:25 Thursday and Sunday.
The service will be operated on Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft with 132 seats in two classes (12 Premium Economy/120 Economy).
Detroit, Michigan (DTW)
Starts May 26, 2023.
- Calgary – Detroit Flight WS 1578 YYC 12:35 – DTW 18:05 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- Detroit – Calgary Flight WS 1579 DTW 19:00 – YYC 21:09 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The route will be operated on Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft with 174 seats in two classes (12 Premium Economy/162 Economy).
Washington – Dulles (IAD)
Starts June 2, 2023.
- Calgary – Washington Flight WS 1615 YYC 09:45 – IAD 16:02 Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Washington – Calgary Flight WS 1616 IAD 16:55 – YYC 19:42 Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
This non-stop connection will be operated on Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft with 132 seats in two classes (12 Premium Economy/120 Economy).
“Calgary will become the 60th international destination from Washington Dulles, and WestJet will be our 40th airline. We are delighted to welcome WestJet to Dulles and to provide customers with this new link between Western Canada and Washington,” said Chryssa Westerlund, executive vice president and chief revenue officer, Washington Airports Authority.
Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Starts May 18, 2023.
- Calgary – Chicago Flight WS 1588 YYC 12:15 – ORD 16:40 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Chicago – Calgary Flight WS 1589 ORD 17:35 – YYC 20:14 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The route will be operated on Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft with 174 seats in two classes (12 Premium Economy/162 Economy).
Increased operations in the United States
Scheduled between July and August
- Houston (IAH): increase from 9 to 11 weekly flights on Boeing 737-8/-800/-700 aircraft.
- Las Vegas (LAS): increases from 19 weekly operations to 3 daily flights on Boeing 737-8/-800/-700.
- Palm Springs (PSP): increases from 4 to 5 weekly flights on Boeing 737-8/-800/-700.
New domestic services
WestJet will strengthen its operations in the domestic market with three new nonstop routes and increase flights on multiple routes.
New services
- Moncton (YQM): three weekly flights (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) operated by Boeing 737-800.
- Thunder Bay (YQT): three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) operated on Boeing 737-700/-800.
- Quebec City (YQB): four weekly flights (Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday) operated on Boeing 737-700/-800.
In addition to these new services, the airline will increase its operations to Abbotsford (YXX), Cranbrook (YXC), Hamilton (YHM), Lethbridge (YQL), London – Ontario (YXU), Medicine Hat (YXM), Winnipeg (YWG), Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto – Pearson (YYZ).
See also: WestJet set to fly to Tokio and to reach Asia for the first time
