WestJet announces major Edmonton service expansions
New non-stop to Nanaimo, and over 60 more regional flights non-stop to Nanaimo, and over 60 more regional flights
(Edmonton, AB) – WestJet today announced expanded regional service from Edmonton, including a new non-stop to Nanaimo, and over 60 additional flights per week to Kelowna, Regina, Saskatoon, Grande Prairie and Calgary. Service to Abbotsford was increased earlier this summer.
The new non-stop flight between Nanaimo Airport and Edmonton International Airport (EIA) will be operated by WestJet Encore, beginning December 15, 2015. The daily flight will leave Edmonton at 12:45 pm and arrive in Nanaimo at 1:51 pm. Edmonton-bound travellers will leave Nanaimo at 2:25 pm and arrive in Edmonton at 5:12 pm.
“Edmonton is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and these important schedule improvements will support that growth,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “These enhancements cover a broad range of areas including key business and leisure routes, greater flexibility for business travellers who want same-day return trips, and more choices for people looking for vacation opportunities.”
“WestJet’s significant investment and commitment is a vote of confidence in the Edmonton Metro region. Increasing our connectivity and frequency means more options for residents and visitors alike,” said Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton.
“Across the West, Edmonton gains travel and trade opportunities, and cities across the region gain more access to our network of 60 non-stop flights across Canada, the US, and global European gateways to the world. Nanaimo is a great vacation spot and Edmonton is a great destination for shopping, recreation and access to the Northern Rockies. Edmonton is a key gateway for Nanaimo residents, such as workers commuting to northern Alberta and northern Canada,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport.
“Our community has been asking for this route for several years,” said John Craig, Chairman of the Nanaimo Airport Commission. “With this new service our travelers will now be able to fly either point-to-point or conveniently connect in Edmonton to other Canadian and worldwide destinations.”
Details of WestJet’s new route between Edmonton and Nanaimo:
| Route | Frequency | Departs | Arrives | Effective |
| Edmonton – Nanaimo | Daily | 12:45 p.m. | 1:51 p.m. | Dec. 15, 2015 |
| Nanaimo – Edmonton | Daily | 2:25 p.m. | 5:12 p.m. | Dec. 15, 2015 |
| Route | Frequency increase | New frequency | Effective |
| Kelowna – Edmonton | Once daily | Four times daily | Dec. 15, 2015 |
| Edmonton – Kelowna | Once daily | Four times daily | Dec. 15, 2015 |
| Edmonton – Grande Prairie | Nine times weekly | 23 times weekly | Oct. 26, 2015 |
| Grande Prairie – Edmonton | Nine times weekly | 23 times weekly | Oct. 26, 2015 |
| Edmonton – Saskatoon | Once daily | Three times daily | Dec. 15, 2015 |
| Saskatoon – Edmonton | Once daily | Three times daily | Dec. 15, 2015 |
| Regina – Edmonton | Once daily | Three times daily | Oct. 25, 2015 |
| Edmonton – Regina | Once daily | Three times daily | Oct. 25, 2015 |
About Edmonton International Airport
Edmonton International Airport is a self-funded, not-for-profit corporation whose mandate is to drive economic prosperity for the Edmonton Region. EIA is Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past 10 years, the fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the largest major Canadian airport by land area. EIA offers non-stop connections to 60 destinations across Canada, the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, including London-Heathrow, Reykjavik (Iceland), and Amsterdam. Please visit www.flyeia.com for more information.
About Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a 10-minute drive south of downtown Nanaimo on 224 hectares (550 acres), which includes the nearby Cottonwood Golf Course. YCD is a not-for-profit authority owned by the Nanaimo Airport Commission. Vancouver Island’s third largest airport, Nanaimo Airport serves a primary central Vancouver Island area with a total population base of approximately 250,000. The YCD service area extends north from Nanaimo to Qualicum, west to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and south to Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. YCD is ideally situated as the most convenient departure/arrival point for customers from the mid-Island area.
About WestJet
WestJet is proud to be Canada’s most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country’s top employers. We offer scheduled service to more than 90 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet’s extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
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Media Contacts:
EIA WestJet Nanaimo Airport
Heather Hamilton Media Relations Mike Hooper
Director of Communications t: 1 888 954 6397 President & CEO
t: 780 884 2966 e: media@westjet.com t: 250 245 4191
e: hhamilton@flyeia.com c : 250 716 6625