Calgary-based WestJet Airlines has touched down in new territory with the launch late last week of its new daily non-stop service to Eastern Canada.
The no-frills airline (WJA-TSE) launched its inaugural transcontinental flight June 14, shuttling passengers between Calgary and Hamilton, Ont., on a new Beoing 737-700 jet. Non-stop service between Calgary and Ottawa is set to take off July 1, while a direct flight between Edmonton and Hamilton kicks off July 2.
“This is a historic day for our company, as we commence our first transcontinental flights on our new 737-700 aircraft,” said Bill Lamberton, WestJet vice-president of marketing and sales.
“These new aircraft offer enhanced guest comfort, quicker flights and increased fuel efficiency, making longer-haul flights possible as WestJet continues to spread our service across the country.”
The new generation of Boeing 737-700 aircraft – which feature 140 seats, increased leg room and overhead bin storage – is the first of at least 35 aircraft that WestJet will take delivery of over the next eight years.
Six-year-old WestJet has been flying high with record profits during a time of market turbulence that has forced many smaller, no-frills competitors out of business. Earlier this year, the airline announced it would expand from its western base into the competitive eastern Canadian market. It now serves 17 cities across the country including Moncton, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, but last week’s Hamilton route is the first non-stop flight.
