WestJet will fly Boeing 787 Dreamliners direct from Calgary to London, Paris and Dublin beginning in April, 2019.
Direct flights from Western Canada to three of the top destinations in Europe on one of the world's great airplanes. Not to mention new branding and changes to a major Canadian loyalty program.
WestJet on Wednesday announced the starting dates for its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights. They'll use their three new 787's next spring direct from Calgary to Paris, Dublin and London Gatwick.
Tickets went on sale at noon Eastern Time on Wednesday, Oct. 10. The flights to London start April 28, while flights to Paris begin May 17 and flights to Dublin on June 1, WestJet President and CEO Ed Sims said at a press conference in Calgary.
WestJet will be the first Canadian airline to base Dreamliners at the growing Calgary International Airport.
Sims said the flights (14 per week) will give more options for Canadians and keep prices down. They'll also add to the already significant impact WestJet has in Calgary, Alberta and all across Canada.
Sims said WestJet has a new logo and that the fuselage on their planes will be painted with the words "The Spirit of Canada" in both English and French.
"Alberta's connectivity to the rest of the world is vital for our economy," said Sims. "WestJet is investing in Alberta to bring further economic growth, boost tourism to the province, and to further position our city as an international aviation hub. We are excited to bring Albertans to the world and the world to Alberta."
Sims said Calgary currently is "underserved" in terms of flights to Europe.
As part of the new WestJet, Sims also announced that WestJet Rewards will introduce a new Platinum tier, making it easier for WestJet Rewards members to get even more value from the frequent flyer program as the airline heads global. The tier is targeted for launch later this year. Details on the new WestJet Rewards Platinum tier and other changes to the program can be found here.