WestJet takes stage for Encore

CALGARY, June 24, 2013 /CNW/ – WestJet today launches WestJet Encore, Canada’s newest regional airline, with service to Fort St. John, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Victoria, British Columbia and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. WestJet Encore features a new fleet of Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft.

“Our inaugural flights across western Canada today represent the future of enhanced connectivity for Canadians,” said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. “WestJet Encore is here to liberate smaller communities from the high cost of regional air travel while continuing to provide every guest with our award winning culture of care. Much as we did back in 1996 with national carrier WestJet, WestJet Encore hopes to make regional air travel easier, more accessible and less expensive. Strategically, providing access to more Canadians as well as using WestJet Encore to fly new non-stops and enhance our frequency between markets will not only enable incremental growth from new markets but also enhance our overall value for the business market.”

“The launch of WestJet’s regional airline in Calgary is a sign of YYC’s strength as a hub of choice in Canada, further enhancing our strategic direction of connecting Calgary to the world,” said Stephan Poirier, Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority. “We are thrilled to add Fort St. John and Nanaimo to our growing network of services. In addition, WestJet’s decision to make Calgary the home of its WestJet Encore headquarters demonstrates that YYC continues to be a major economic engine in Western Canada.”