
Westjet says it will decentralize its Dreamliner operations this winter, shifting some European capacity to Toronto, and moving Boeing 787 capacity from Europe to Hawaii starting in October.
Westjet currently flies the Dreamliner from its Calgary base to Gatwick, Paris, Dublin, and Toronto.
“Flying on the WestJet Dreamliner is a game changer in travel; guest feedback on the experience has been phenomenal,” said Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President Network Planning and Alliances in a statement. “The Dreamliner was built for transoceanic routes with technology that reduces jetlag and leaves travellers feeling more refreshed upon arrival. With our custom cabins and award-winning service, guests are going to love the journey as much as the destination.”
Starting October 23, Toronto will gain daily Westjet 787 service to Gatwick, a route currently flown by ageing Boeing 767 aircraft.
“We congratulate Westjet on the expansion of their Dreamliner service from Toronto Pearson to London Gatwick, starting later this year,” said Scott Collier, Vice-President Customer and Terminal Services, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) “Toronto Pearson is proud to be part of WestJet’s continued growth and is glad to see this enhanced experience offered to passengers making business or leisure trips between Toronto and the UK.”
Calgary-Gatwick will drop to four times weekly from daily in the summer (one more weekly flight than operated last winter), and a new Dreamliner service from Calgary to Maui (Kahului) will fly twice a week.
“Our guests love travelling to Hawaii, and now their trip to Maui will be even more memorable with WestJet’s Dreamliner service to the island,” said Bob Sartor, President and CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. “Thank you to WestJet for another significant commitment to your Boeing 787-9 hub at YYC.”
Westjet was recently bought by Onex. Though the deal still has hurdles to clear, Westjet executives say the deal positions the airline for long-term growth.
Westjet invested $50 million in a 125,000 square foot hangar in Calgary to accommodate its Dreamliner fleet. Westjet has another seven Dreamliners on order with Boeing. It has not announced plans for those aircraft when they join the fleet.
Categories: Westjet
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