WestJet Encore launches new Fort McMurray service

CALGARY, Alberta. May 12, 2014. WestJet today inaugurated new non-stop daily service between Kelowna, B.C., and Fort McMurray and between Vancouver and Fort McMurray. Both services are offered by WestJet Encore using its fleet of Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Today, WestJet also launched a third daily flight between Calgary and Fort McMurray using the same type of aircraft.

“These new services represent unprecedented opportunities for our guests to access Fort McMurray and the energy sector that is so integral to the local, provincial and national economy,” said John Weatherill, WestJet’s Director, Network and Schedule Planning. “It will now be less expensive and faster than ever before for workers to commute from the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver, Calgary and beyond. For example, business travellers will now be able to fly between Calgary and Fort McMurray and return the same day, making WestJet an even more attractive option for those travelling for work.”

John Weatherill also noted that the new service to Kelowna, in particular, also greatly improves tourism opportunities for the entire Okanagan Valley. “We know the connection for commuters is a strong one,” he said, “but this new service will also benefit tourism in the valley. We hope to see residents of Northern Alberta take advantage of the many beautiful attractions and vacation opportunities throughout the Okanagan.”

Details of new daily non-stop service between Kelowna and Fort McMurray:

Fares are available starting from:

 *Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com for details.

About WestJet

We are proud to be Canada’s most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country’s top employers.  We offer scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries.  Leveraging WestJet’s extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more.  Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods  ?  even on seat sales.  For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com. 

Recent recognition includes:

2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)

2014/2013/2012 Canada’s Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)

2013 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)

2013 Gold Stevie Award Best Transportation Company (American Business Awards)

2013 Chairman’s Circle Award: WestJet Vacations (CPSC)

2013 Canada’s Most Preferred Airline (Leger Marketing)

2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine)