Latest

Korean Air finalizes Asiana Airlines acquisition enhancing aviation industry landscape Calgary Airport Celebrates Completion of West Runway Rehabilitation 2024 Experience Enhanced Holiday Travel with Air Canada’s New Comfort Features Aircalin Expands Fleet with Airbus A350-900 for Long-Haul Growth Celebrating 5 Years of Air Canada’s Fleet Renewal with Airbus A220 TAP Might Face €300 Million Payout to Cabin Crew Discover Burkina Faso’s Kangala Air Express New Global Routes Expansion Pratt & Whitney Pays Air Transat $33.6 Million for Engine Issues

Commemorating Two Years of Success: The WestJet-Alberta Partnership

On December 12, 2024, Premier Danielle Smith marked a significant milestone by visiting the WestJet Campus in Calgary, celebrating two successful years since signing a vital Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the airline. This collaboration has significantly advanced Alberta’s aviation industry, fostering economic growth and setting a benchmark for future endeavors.

Key Figures Unite to Celebrate Progress

During this event, several dignitaries were present, including Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade; Chris Burley, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the WestJet Group; WestJet Group’s CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech; and Scott Wilson, Vice-President of Operations at WestJet.

Achievements of the WestJet-Alberta MOU

Over the past two years, the MOU between WestJet and Alberta has underscored a period of impressive achievements:

  • Calgary has become WestJet’s sole global hub, optimizing the city’s connectivity and economic resilience post-pandemic.
  • The number of direct routes has surged by 42 since 2022, including transatlantic connections.
  • 2025 predictions show a 47% increase in seat capacity since 2022, with over 100 aircraft in Alberta and more than 130 non-stop routes.
  • Analyses estimate that partnership contributions have generated $20 billion in economic output and created 100,000 jobs.
  • CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech emphasized that with Alberta being WestJet’s home for over 28 years, the collaboration represents a symbiotic relationship aimed at fostering economic diversification across the province.

    Future Plans and Initiatives

    As WestJet looks ahead, several key initiatives outline their future strategy:

  • Increase Calgary’s annual seat capacity by 80% by 2028 relative to 2022.
  • Maintain a fleet of 100 aircraft in Calgary, emphasizing efficient technology for sustainability.
  • Develop a Centre of Excellence for Aviation Training in the province.
  • Premier Danielle Smith is optimistic about the future, stating that this partnership has put Alberta at the forefront of aviation excellence globally, turning Calgary into a hub of global connectivity.

    Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

    WestJet and the Government of Alberta remain committed to:

  • Investing in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
  • Addressing cost-competitiveness challenges impacting the aviation sector.
  • Promoting growth through strategic investments in aerospace infrastructure.
  • Together, these initiatives solidify Alberta’s role as a leader in aviation, with ongoing advancements promising even more opportunities in the sector.

    Scudrunners.com