WestJet Touches Down in Asia for the First Time with Inaugural Tokyo Flight

In a milestone for the airline, On 30APR, WestJet celebrated the departure of flight WS80 from YYC Calgary International Airport to Tokyo's Narita International Airport. It was WestJet's first-ever flight to Asia.

The airline says the new service to NRT is part of its Western Canadian growth strategy and commitment to Alberta, as Japan removes the last COVID travel barriers and a summer season of travel by Japanese to Western Canada, particularly Alberta's Banff and Jasper attractions, resumes.

"We are thrilled to see our new service to Tokyo, Japan take flight as we welcome our newest destination to our 787 intercontinental hub at YYC," said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.

"Not only does this new route increase opportunities for business, leisure and cargo customers to expand their horizons in Asia, it also provides an exceptional opportunity to welcome transpacific leisure and business travellers direct to Calgary and Alberta."

Rob Palmer, Vice President, Commercial, Strategy and Chief Financial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority added, "YYC is proud to be the first impression of Alberta's western hospitality for many travellers coming to explore the region from Asia. As WestJet's sole connecting global hub, the airline has been a key part of YYC's success."

Tokyo service will operate on the airline's 787 Dreamliner three times per week through 28OCT, and will return in Spring 2024. Guests travelling between Calgary and Tokyo can expect Western and Japanese inflight meals, Japanese entertainment options and Japanese announcements and menus.

"For decades, Japanese travellers have had a special relationship with Alberta. The Calgary-Tokyo flight represents an important opportunity to rebuild that bridge," said David Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Alberta.

"This new flight will deliver approximately $1.1B in potential tourism income and 24,000 passenger seats. We look forward to welcoming back this important international market to our beautiful province."

"The diversity of Indigenous culture on these traditional territories we now call Alberta, is waiting to be shared with guests around the world, but especially the Japanese traveller," said Shae Bird, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Tourism Alberta. "With one in five Japanese travellers expressing interest in our member's offerings, this provides direct access for cultural learning, meaningful connections and lasting relationships with the Japanese market. We look forward to working alongside WestJet in growing Alberta's visitor economy."

WestJet's non-stop flight to Tokyo is one of several new direct services launching this spring. Pax travelling out of WestJet's YYC hub can also connect to Barcelona, Edinburgh and five other European nonstop destinations as part of the airline's international offerings.

Full schedule details can be found at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/flights/direct-flights.