• Passenger forecasts at YYC have potential to increase by 7-8 million over next 5 years
• Direct destinations from YYC expected to increase to 100 
• WestJet to concentrate its fleet of 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Calgary

CALGARY, ALTA –Today the WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta announced a first-of-its-kind partnership agreement focused on significantly advancing aviation across the province, which included a commitment by WestJet to make YYC Calgary International Airport its single global hub airport, building on our already strong partnership and reinforcing WestJet’s commitment to serving western Canada and Albertans.

"It’s an exciting day for YYC and Alberta. This announcement and WestJet’s decision to make YYC its single global hub demonstrates confidence in the Calgary airport and solidifies a major investment in the region and Alberta," said Bob Sartor, President and CEO, of The Calgary Airport Authority. "We are committed to ensuring our hub carrier and strategic airline partner has the commercial and operational environment it needs to continue growing its business with YYC and to support the partnership agreement. We are excited for the future."

YYC is the most recovered and is a significant connecting airport in Canada. With WestJet concentrating its 787 fleet in Calgary beginning with the 2023 summer schedule, including exclusive regularly scheduled widebody service to Europe and the potential to Asia, nonstop destinations from Calgary are expected to increase to 100. In addition, YYC’s long-term passenger forecasts have the potential to grow by seven to eight million guests by 2028.

The continued investments into Alberta’s gateway airport will provide guests with increased opportunities to connect to more destinations within Canada and across the globe.

"Today is a proud day for our organization as we continue to strengthen our home province with four distinct advantages: affordability, sustainability, infrastructure and people," continued von Hoensbroech. "This agreement is a testament to WestJet's commitment to our global hub airport in Calgary, as investments like this can only occur under the right commercial and operational environments. YYC Calgary International Airport is providing us that confidence and with these investments, Calgary can become North America's most connected mid-sized city."

At the peak of business, 24,000 people were employed across the YYC campus. Supporting our airline partners’ growth enables The Authority to deliver on our commitment to advance the economic health and community development of Albertans.

WestJet chose to make YYC, situated on Treaty 7 lands, home in 1996 when they served only five domestic destinations with three aircraft. Now, 26 years later, their network has grown significantly to include 76 nonstop destinations, operating an average of ¹276 flights from YYC each day.

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ABOUT THE CALGARY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Springbank Airport (YBW). The Authority’s commitment to safety remains a top priority and our #FlyHealthyYYC program has received the Airport Health Accreditation by Airports Council International. Our airports are important economic generators for the city, region and province, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP through associated economic activity. The Authority was also recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2021.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements about our current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends. Although The Authority believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied.

About WestJet  

In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

Media Relations

The Calgary Airport Authority

P: 403 735 5899

media@yyc.com