WestJet is preparing to turn into new markets as it prepares to launch two new routes – one which will raise an eyebrow.
As part of its 2023 summer timetable, it has introduced new routes from Calgary International Airport for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
So the big destination is Tokyo, Japan, with the airline planning to serve Narita International Airport.
In addition, the airline is introducing routes between Calgary and Barcelona and Calgary and Edinburgh.
The airline plans to scale up its frequencies on existing European routes. Today’s announcement comes as WestJet prepares for broader expansion within Canada and North America over the coming months.
Calgary to Tokyo Narita International Airport
It’s a big play for the airline as it expands to Japan. Initially, it will operate three flights a week between Calgary to Narita, based on the details supplied by the airline:
| Route | Start Date | Frequency | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
| Calgary – Tokyo Narita |
April 30, 2023 | 3x Weekly | 18:55 | 20:00 |
|
Tokyo Narita – |
May 1, 2023 | 3x Weekly | 22:00 | 16:00 |
The route is subject to governmental approvals – as always. If approved and the service commences, it will be Calgary’s only direct route to Japan.
Passengers travelling WestJet won’t be alone, as the airline has signed an agreement with Japan Airlines recently to provide codeshare already on JAL’s routes out of Vancouver, expanding the agreements the two airlines have.
Meanwhile in Europe
The WestJet European Network is being strengthened with the new routes, along with increases, with the airline noting the following peak network increases during the Summer 2023 network.
| Route | Start Date | Peak Frequency |
| Calgary – Barcelona* | May 6, 2023 | 3x Weekly |
| Calgary – Edinburgh* | May 17, 2023 | 3x Weekly |
| Calgary – London Heathrow | Continued from Winter | 7x Weekly |
| Calgary – London Gatwick | April 30, 2023 | 7x Weekly |
| Calgary – Paris | Continued from Winter | 7x Weekly |
| Calgary – Rome | April 6, 2023 | 5x Weekly |
| Calgary – Dublin | April 30, 2023 | 5x Weekly |
Overall, the airline will offer seven European destinations served with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with up to 39 frequencies a week.
WestJet configures their Boeing 787-9 aircraft in a three-class configuration, featuring business class, premium economy and economy class seating installed.
The airline has seven 787-9 in its fleet, with an eighth on order.
In Quotes
Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer said:
“This is an exciting day for the WestJet Group, our guests, and partners as we deliver on our new strategy and demonstrate our western focus as we increase our Calgary capacity by more than 25 per cent in 2023. Starting with the expansion of our intercontinental routes, future announcements will focus on domestic and North American additions that will bring even more affordable travel options to our guests in the new year,
“With Calgary as home base to our 787 aircraft, access between western Canadian communities and these intercontinental destinations will play a vital role in creating an economically prosperous aviation pipeline that better connects Canadians to the world and the world to Western Canada.”
Bob Sartor, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, added.
“This is a tremendous day for WestJet, our city and for YYC Calgary International Airport. Calgarians will now have more choices when travelling abroad thanks to WestJet’s major investment in flights from our airport. WestJet making Calgary its single global 787 hub and these additional route offerings demonstrates their confidence in the economic future of both Calgary and Alberta. And it reinforces the advantage of YYC Calgary International Airport’s strategic position as a global connections hub,”
That’s a bold move
It seems WestJet is in the mood to be bold, with a launch of a new route to Japan, whilst increasing its capacity in Europe as it hopes for a busy summer. The airline is dedicated to the London region (covering both Heathrow and Gatwick), whilst happily sending its 787 fleet to a selection of destinations old and new.
It’s a lot of seats to fill, but with these bold moves, WestJet sounds confident that it will fill a number of those seats for this season.
We’ll see how the market will react, but it will open options for travellers that want to explore destinations.
Those of us who seek to look beyond the traditional carriers could find that a tempting option indeed.
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