WestJet has been focusing a lot of attention on Western Canada, but the CEO says he still has a thing for Halifax.
WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech made his first-ever visit to Nova Scotia on 01MAY, and said the company is committed to growing its business in Atlantic Canada.
Von Hoensbroech addressed key stakeholders and community members in Halifax with an update on the airline's growth strategy and vision for Atlantic Canada at a special event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
With increased leisure opportunities, achieved through the resumption of transatlantic service and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter, along with enhanced east-to-west domestic air service better connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, the WestJet Group's strategy is coming to fruition across Atlantic Canada, he said.
"It is incredible to be visiting Halifax for the first time, meeting with our remarkable partners and getting to experience the tremendous Atlantic Canada hospitality firsthand," said von Hoensbroech. "We set out our growth strategy almost two years ago, and we are seeing it well in action across Atlantic Canada; our commitment to Halifax is strong as we work to meet demand and fuel Halifax's tourism pipeline.
"Halifax and Atlantic Canada are integral to the WestJet Group's future, and we will remain relentless on delivering a tailored strategy for the region that enhance business and leisure ties, through strategic air connectivity," he said.
Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group's milestone achievements in Halifax and current and upcoming network investments serving to enhance the city's air connectivity, while bolstering the region's visitor economy:
- On 28APR 2024, the WestJet Group celebrated the takeoff of its inaugural service between YHZ and LGW in England, the first of three transatlantic routes that will return to Nova Scotia's capital this summer.
- This summer, YHZ will see a 31% increase in seat capacity provided by the WestJet Group, compared to 2023.
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport will have 90 weekly flights operated by the WestJet Group during peak summer this year; a 43 per cent increase in total weekly flights compared to 2023.
Connecting Halifax to the world and the world to Halifax
The airline touted its enhanced domestic service connecting the Halifax region to Western Canada, as well as its leisure connections:
- Fulfilling requests to expand Halifax's connectivity to popular leisure destinations, the WestJet Group is introducing non-stop service between Halifax and three transatlantic destinations, including DUB, EDI and LGW this summer, as well as year-round connectivity to Orlando and seasonal service to Cancun. Additionally, as part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing Airlines will provide direct access from Halifax to key leisure destinations, including Cayo Coco, Montego Bay, Santa Clara, Puerto Plata and Holguin, Punta Cana and Varadero.
- WestJet will ensure Halifax remains connected to Western Canada, with year-round connectivity to the airline's global hub in Calgary, where pax can connect to flights to international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo.
- This year, the WestJet Group will provide direct connectivity to 18 destinations out of Halifax, including six domestic, one transborder, three transatlantic and eight sun destinations.
