December 12, 2024
Premier Danielle Smith visits WestJet Campus to reflect on two years progress since signing the WestJet-Alberta MOU
From left: Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Chris Burley, WestJet Group, Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, CEO, Scott Wilson, WestJet, Vice-President, Operations.
WestJet and the Government of Alberta are celebrating the second anniversary of their groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that continues to drive Alberta’s aviation industry forward with ambition, innovation and leadership. Launched in 2022, the MOU has played a pivotal role in advancing Alberta’s aviation sector, stimulating provincial growth, and laying the foundation for a sustainable, long-term future. The partnership has brought substantial growth into the province. Notably, WestJet has made Calgary its sole global hub, consolidating all widebody operations there. This move has helped Calgary emerge as the Canadian airport with the most robust post-pandemic growth, making it the best-connected midsized city in North America. Additionally, Edmonton and other regional cities across Alberta have benefited from WestJet’s substantial investments, driving economic expansion throughout the province.
“Alberta has been WestJet’s home for more than 28 years, and this partnership has ushered in a new era of connectivity and economic diversification across the province,” said Alexis Von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group. “With a supportive provincial government that encourages business growth and a workforce dedicated to enhancing the visitor economy, Alberta is a true leader. Our collaboration with the Government of Alberta reinforces that a prosperous future for Alberta and WestJet go hand-in-hand.”
To mark this occasion, Premier Danielle Smith joined WestJet at its Calgary campus to address WestJet employees at their townhall to highlight the joint achievements and ongoing impact of the MOU, including:
- By 2025, a 47 per cent growth in seat capacity since 2022, with WestJet now operating more than 100 aircraft from Alberta, offering more than 130 non-stop routes.
- A robust network connecting Alberta to the world, carrying more than 14 million guests annually and operating more than 450 daily flights to and from the province, making WestJet a critical link for both regional and international markets.
- Expanding Alberta’s network connectivity with 42 new routes since 2022, including service to Asia and Europe and 20 new transborder routes.
- A 2022 third-party economic analysis estimated more than $20 billion in economic output, 100,000 jobs, and $7 billion in direct tourism spending generated by WestJet’s partnership in Alberta.
WestJet continues expanding its presence in Alberta. As part of its Summer 2025 network schedule, the airline will grow in Alberta by 13 per cent and introduce two new direct transborder routes from Edmonton International Airport and four new direct routes from Calgary International Airport. Additionally, WestJet plans to increase services to Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray this summer. The airline is also expanding its international footprint, with enhanced service to both Japan and South Korea, strengthening transpacific, transatlantic, and transborder trade connections.
“WestJet’s ongoing expansion continues to create jobs for Albertans and revenue for our economy. It’s shone a spotlight on Alberta and put Calgary on the map as a leader in global connectivity. As we celebrate the second anniversary of our partnership, we also look to the future. It’s one that will hold even more opportunities to advance the industry and secure Alberta’s reputation as a leader in aviation excellence,” said the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta.
Looking Ahead
WestJet and the Government of Alberta are committed to further investment in aviation infrastructure and connectivity, while fostering job creation and economic opportunities for Albertans. Key commitments for the future include:
- Increasing annual seat capacity in Calgary by 80 per cent by 2028 compared to 2022 levels.
- Maintaining a fleet of 100 aircraft based in Calgary, with a focus on procuring efficient aircraft to ensure low fares and a smaller environmental footprint.
- Expanding WestJet’s global hub in Calgary to offer 100 non-stop routes, representing a 20 per cent increase from 2022.
- Establishing a Centre of Excellence for Aviation Training in Alberta.
- Promoting growth through strategic public and private investments in infrastructure that supports the aerospace and aviation sectors.
- Collaborating to address cost-competitiveness challenges faced by airlines, including regulatory, tax and fee considerations.
- Committing to the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Alberta.
Together, WestJet and the Government of Alberta continue to build on their strong partnership, fueling growth and positioning Alberta as a global leader in aviation.