On 11MAY, WestJet announced nonstop transborder service between YWG and codeshare partner Delta's hub ATL. The new route comes underpinned, as The Star reports, by financial guarantees from the Manitoba government. The province created a CAD $5-million fund last year when it helped WestJet launch direct service from YWG to LAX.
Money is paid out to the airline if certain targets, such as passenger volumes, are not met. According to Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, no money has been drawn out for the LAX service so far. Specific volume targets have not been revealed.
As reported by Open Jaw, WestJet's CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech is on the record saying that he would like to see Canada's air travel industry subsidized to bring it more in line with rail travel. He noted that in Canada, air travel is not a luxury, but necessary given Canada's size and the distances between destinations. Canadians, he says, should not be penalized by adding costs to air travel.
As reported by the Star, Dayna Spiring, president of Economic Development Winnipeg said that re-establishing direct flights to major American hubs such as Denver and Chicago, which were cancelled during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, is an ongoing and essential recovery effort.
“You know, airlines have pulled out of Saskatchewan," Spiring pointed out about the neighbouring province. "We need to do everything we can now, as airlines are planning their schedules and figuring out what’s next, to make sure we’re on that map."
Service Details
The new route will commence on 06SEP 2023 operating five times weekly on a year-round basis.
WestJet's latest addition to its Winnipeg service was celebrated 11MAY at an event with guests and partners from across the province including Stefanson; Nick Hays, President and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority; Scott Gillingham, Mayor of Winnipeg; and Dayna Spiring, President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg.
"As the only airline providing direct connectivity between Winnipeg and Atlanta, WestJet's service between the two cities will stimulate business and leisure travel with broadened access from Winnipeg to the world with one-stop connectivity. Today is also a further testament to our commitment to bolster the economic success of the communities we serve," said John Weatherill, WestJet, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.
| Route | Start Date | Frequency | Departure (local time) | Arrival (local time) |
| YWG - ATL | 06SEP 2023 | 5x weekly | 9:00 a.m. | 13:09 a.m. |
| ATL - YWG | 06SEP 2023 | 5x weekly | 14:00 p.m. | 16:20 p.m. |
Delta codeshare partnership
Guests travelling beyond Delta's ATL hub will have access to that airline's network and perks through its partnership with WestJet. This includes codeshare flights to over 50 connecting destinations now accessible from Winnipeg, the ability to earn and redeem WestJet Rewards on both airlines and frequent flyer benefits through the entire journey.
WestJet guests have access to Delta's network on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests.
For more information on WestJet, visit its website.
