WestJet’s newly released summer schedule will see the restoration of the airline’s network to near pre-pandemic levels, marking a “significant milestone” in the carrier’s recovery. Highlights of the seasonal sked include significant investments in the transatlantic network, more non-stop domestic options, and a new connection between Toronto and Chicago.

“We know Canadians are ready to make their highly anticipated return to travel this summer… (and) we are here to help our guests make up for lost time,” says WestJest Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill, adding, “The aviation industry is a formidable economic engine and the investments we have made across Canada and internationally affirm our commitment to restoring connectivity across our expansive global network, while doing our part to expedite Canada’s economic recovery.”

At its peak this summer, WestJet will serve 43 domestic, 23 transborder, 16 Caribbean and eight transatlantic destinations, restoring 94% of its pre-pandemic routes with more than 600 daily departures network wide. Complementing WestJet’s network, Swoop previously announced significant expansion plans for its domestic network in preparation for the busy summer travel season.

Transatlantic

This summer, WestJet is bringing back international connectivity to Atlantic Canada with increased service between Halifax to Paris (May 7, 4x weekly), London Gatwick (May 1, daily), Dublin (May 1, 3x weekly), and Glasgow (May 2, 3x weekly).

Alberta

WestJet will restore service levels across Alberta to pre-pandemic levels with more than 180 daily departures from both Calgary and Edmonton this summer. Flights from Calgary International Airport will see the airline increase the tourism pipeline between Alberta and Europe by 43% when compared to 2019, supported by new routes and increased non-stop options to London Heathrow (March 26, 4x weekly), Gatwick (May 1, 5x weekly), Paris (May 1, 5x weekly), Rome (May 7, 3x weekly) and Dublin (May 8, 3x weekly).

Toronto

Starting May 19, WestJet will offer daily service between Toronto and Chicago, targeting both business and leisure travellers.

WestJet is also adding stop service from YYZ to five European destinations: Barcelona (May 13, 3x weekly), Dublin (May 15, daily), Edinburgh (June 2, 3x weekly), Glasgow (May 20, 4x weekly) and London Gatwick (May 1, daily, increasing to 9x weekly on June 11).