Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet Airlines is to bring its Encore regional operation to Halifax’s Stansfield International Airport from this summer, over 12 years since it made its debut at the facility. The expanded schedule from July 2015 means Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 NextGen operator WestJet Encore is now serving the local market from coast to coast.
The network growth will see WestJet Encore deploy its regional turboprops on daily flights from Halifax to Gander and Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Sydney, Nova Scotia beginning July 15, 2015, along with increased frequency between Halifax and Ottawa, Toronto and St. John's, Newfoundland. This is their largest increase in service at from the city since the airline first landed in Halifax in February, 2003.
The Increased service at Halifax will open new markets to meet pent-up demand, enhance business-to-business connections, and provide more opportunities for tourism, leisure travel and the ability to connect family and friends. And it will lead to employment opportunities within the local aviation industry and increased business for related support organisations.
"Halifax is at the core of our service increase across Atlantic Canada, now marking WestJet Encore's presence from coast to coast," said Ferio Pugliese, president, WestJet Encore.
In the space of just two years, WestJet Encore has grown from two aircraft serving five cities in Western Canada to 16 aircraft serving more than 20 destinations across Canada.
“Our research shows that in the twelve months after the launch of WestJet Encore in to new markets, traffic rose as high as 55 per cent while fares decreased as much as 40 per cent. It illustrates the value we are bringing to Canadians," explained Pugliese.
It is an exciting time for WestJet in Halifax as this year will also see the carrier introduce its first transatlantic route from the airport with a new service to Glasgow, in the UK, launching from May 29, 2015. This is only the carrier’s second transatlantic service and follows the success of its St John’s – Dublin link launched last year.
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