WestJet has announced the evolution of its long-standing codeshare relationship with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines through the placement of its “WS” codeshare on KLM-operated flights. Through the expanded codeshare agreement, guests will now have convenient access via Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) to 18 cities across Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The enhanced partnership builds on the airline’s new non-stop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary and provides greater access between Canada and European points for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Through this expanded codeshare relationship with KLM our guests will benefit from new opportunities to travel between Europe and Canada,” said WestJet Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill. “Our Dreamliner service to Amsterdam combined with convenient connections on a world-class partner like KLM is an exciting step as we work to support the safe restart of international travel.”

WestJet’s inaugural service between Amsterdam and Calgary is set to depart on Aug. 5. The airline’s new service will operate two-times weekly and will increase to three-times weekly as of Sept. 9. All AMS flights will be on WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner, featuring business cabin with lie-flat pods and dining on demand.

“This is an exciting development for inbound travel and tourism to Alberta from key European markets via Amsterdam,” said David Goldstein, CEO, Travel Alberta. “Rebuilding these targeted international air links is critical to the province’s economic recovery. We look forward to working with WestJet to re-establish Alberta’s competitiveness as a business and leisure destination emerging from the pandemic.”