Canada’s WestJet is expanding its reach in Asia with an updated airline codeshare arrangement with Korean Air. It comes as WestJet launches new seasonal flights from Calgary to Seoul, beginning 17 May 2024. The Seoul flights will operate up to three times per week. WestJet will deploy Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route. The enhanced airline codeshare pact with Korea adds six new cities to Southeast Asia and Hong Kong via Seoul. These are Bangkok, Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong. “As we prepare for WestJet’s inaugural flights between Calgary and Incheon, the timing of this codeshare expansion is ideal,” said Jeff Hagen, WestJet VP of Commercial Development. “We are enhancing connectivity to more destinations in Asia for our guests.” 

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The thrice weekly flights will depart London Gatwick and arrive into St. John’s with a flight time of just 5 hours and 45 minutes

  The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the most easterly point of Canada will soon be served by direct flights from London Gatwick, as announced on 15^th November by transatlantic carrier, WestJet.   The Canadian airline with routes across Canada, the US and Europe will fly from the London hub into St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador seasonally, from 1^st May to 25^th October 2024. With flights running three times a week (Sunday, Wednesday and Fridays) and taking just 5 hours and 45 minutes, one-way fares start from $393 (approx. £232) and are available to book online.   Further opening up the province’s accessibility, the new direct flight route will allow UK holidaymakers to discover the area with greater ease and provide a boost to the tourism sector. From the gateway of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador visitors can explore the following highlights on an Atlantic Canadian adventure:   On the hunt for icebergs   One of the very best spots on earth to hunt for icebergs, each year the coast off of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes hundreds of these magnificent ice structures and during peak iceberg season (from spring to early summer), visitors must take to the ocean to catch a glimpse.   Whether it’s by boat trip, paddling on a kayak or viewing from land, Iceberg Alley provides the best vantage point and chance of hunting icebergs during the season. Explore the famous Alley aboard the award-winning Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour for a two-hours boat ride, setting sail from Twillingate.   From $95 (approx. £56) per adult, $85 (approx. £50.10) per student (18-25), $70 (approx. £41.30) per child (9-17) and $60 (approx. £35.40) per child (2-8). https://icebergquest.com/experience-the-wonder/   Walk the Atlantic coast   Newfoundland and Labrador boasts 29,000km of stunning coastline, dotted with beaches, sea stacks and 300 hiking and walking trails with fabulous opportunities to observe seabirds, whales, icebergs and more. Reach some of the best views in the province by climbing the second highest peak on Newfoundland, Gros Morne. The 806-metre-high mountain can be reached via a difficult trail named after the former British Prime Minister, James Callaghan, but the views at the top of the glacial carved landscape are worth it.   For an easier walk, there’s the Skerwink Trail at Port Rexton where historical heritage and natural beauty collide. The 5.3km coastal hike along cliff tops and beaches begins by tracing the old railroad and then heading up the ancient sedimentary rock to Skerwink Head where walkers will be met with impressive views of Trinity Harbour.   Explore Cape Bonavista Lighthouse   Constructed in 1843, the Cape Bonavista is in a great spot for watching whales and puffins and holds Bonavista's generations-long maritime heritage. One of the few lighthouses still like it globally, visitors can venture up the stone tower to view the old-fashioned seal oil-powered catoptric light system, from the 1800s. Surrounding the lighthouse is stunning sights, soothing ocean waves and the refreshing sea air.   From $6 (approx. £3.50) per adult, $4 (approx. £2.40) per student/senior, children aged 16 & under are free. https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/210574   Savour sea to plate dining in Twillingate   Join local guide and culinary specialist Crystal Anstey for a memorable meal on the beach in Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador. After foraging for wild ingredients, visitors are taken to the coast to enjoy the centuries old province tradition of a ‘boil up’ – cooking up a delicious picnic of mussels, lobsters and scallops over an open flame. The sound of gentle waves and the chance to see whales from the shore only add to the magic of what will be an unforgettable day.

  With its recent addition to the prestigious Blue Diamond Resorts portfolio, Royalton CHIC Antigua is set to debut and welcome guests to the leeward island, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, in early April 2024. Coaxing spirited travelers with a vibrant and social all-inclusive vacation experience, designed exclusively for adults, the beachfront resort is set on the northwest coast of Antigua and is now available for bookings.   Located 20 minutes from VC Bird International Airport along idyllic Dickinson Bay Beach, Royalton CHIC Antigua will unfold as a tropical hotspot for vibrant couples, groups of friends and energetic solo travelers. The resort will invite visitors to break free from the everyday routine with an out-of-this-world getaway that bubbles with energy and vitality through Royalton CHIC’s exuberant Party Your Way concept, ensuring that everyone enjoys a lively atmosphere with something to celebrate every day.   “The upcoming opening of Royalton CHIC Antigua marks a significant milestone in the West Indies and for Blue Diamond Resorts. This unique concept of all-inclusive hospitality has proven to be a success, and introducing it to Antigua is a perfect match. This move enhances the destination's positioning for international travelers seeking vibrant experiences,” said Jordi Pelfort, President, Blue Diamond Resorts. “As always, exceptional service and top-notch experiences are the pillars of rewarding hospitality, and we anticipate that guests will be able to embrace plenty of both at our newest Royalton CHIC Resort in Antigua.”   Situated along a sandy beachfront that shimmers in sun and starlight through the day, Royalton CHIC Antigua will feature 235 stylish rooms and suites, each with a balcony or terrace for breathtaking ocean and sunset views, and modern décor in keeping with sister Royalton CHIC Resorts in Punta Cana and Cancun. Lush details will include Royalton’s signature DreamBed™, rain shower and All-In Connectivity™ amenities; 24/7 room service featuring the picks from the menus of onsite dining outlets, creating the perfect setting for guests to linger in after active, energetic days.   Royalton CHIC Antigua will also offer guests a wide array of captivating experiences and activities, with something for everyone to enjoy throughout their stay. For passionate foodies, introducing the first Overwater Restaurant of its kind in the region, Pescari is driven by a Diningtainment concept that elevates dining and entertainment with awe-inspiring views of crystal clear waters. This exclusive restaurant will elevate dining experiences with breathtaking ocean views, incredible sunsets and a stylish atmosphere filled up with effervescent energy and unparalleled vibe. A wide variety of dining and drinking destinations will be available on terra firma as well, with seven restaurants, five bars, and an on-site rum shop conceived for the property including an authentic steakhouse, menus highlighted by Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, the mouthwatering flavors of the Caribbean, and assorted opportunities to indulge in cocktail pairing and special mixology.   Guests eager for an even more luxurious and exclusive resort experience will be able to elevate their stay at Royalton CHIC Antigua with the exclusive Diamond Club™ room category, offering everything from butler services to personalized check-in and check-out, private space to call their own by the pools and on the beach, and ultimate in-room amenities to take their downtime over the top.   Resort offerings will also include sparkling swimming pools, a picture-perfect beach club with a captivating view of the pristine shoreline and a bubbling ambiance, an entertainment plaza with a theater for live music and more; and an indulgent spa with wellness offerings for the body, mind, and spirit, including pampering treatments and a hydrotherapy circuit (at additional cost). To complement personal wellness journeys, a selection of modern equipment at the resort’s fitness center will offer a robust program of instructor-led activities to aid guests in maintaining and even surpassing their fitness goals including Paddle Board, Sunset Yoga, and Beach Bootcamp.

Canadian low cost carrier Swoop is shutting down. Owner WestJet will discontinue the low-cost brand and integrate it within the main airline business. WestJet said it has reached agreement integrate all pilots and staff into WestJet which will see pay rises for some. "As negotiated in the collective agreement, the WestJet Group will now begin integration efforts of its ultra-low-cost airline Swoop," the airline said. It hopes to complete a full integration by the end of October, it said. Swoop’s current summer schedule will continue to run until it ends on October 28. The integration will see 24% pay raises over four years for current Swoop pilots. "This integration will enhance our ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests," WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. Swoop’s 16 aircraft will be added to WestJet’s 180 plane fleet. While the low-cost carrier will disappear, WestJet vowed to continue offering ‘ultra-affordable travel options’ as well as ‘a premium inflight experience.’ Swoop was established in 2018.  

Canadian carrier WestJet is spreading its wings with its first non-stop Japan flights. It will mark the first time the airline has ventured into Asia. The Calgary- Tokyo Narita flights will begin in the spring. The Japan flights will operate three times weekly seasonally from April 30. WestJet also announced Calgary flights to Edinburgh, and Barcelona in May 2023.

Canadian leisure airline Sunwing Airlines is being acquired by the WestJet Group. The deal includes the airline as well as in-house tour operator. Sunwing Vacations. It is the perfect deal ‘bringing together two highly complementary businesses, ’said WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. On completion WestJet will establish a new tour operator business led by Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter. The new unit will comprise Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations as separate brands. WestJet said it will also expand Sunwing Airlines’ current seasonal schedules to year-round. Sunwing operates 40 aircraft in winter and only 10 in summer Sunwing is controlled by the Hunter family with tour operator TUI Group owning a 49% stake. The companies said there would not be any layoffs because of the takeover. "We feel strong enough, even more so together, to recover well out of this pandemic and to be more competitive, specifically in a low-cost market," von Hoensbroech said.

The Federal Aviation Administration tapped WestJet airline safety executive Billy Nolen to lead the agency's aviation safety functions and oversight. Nolen was most recently VP for safety, security and quality at Canada's WestJet. He joins the FAA next year in a role with responsibility for more than 7,600 FAA employees. Nolen also worked at Airlines for America and Qantas. He replaces Ali Bahrami, who stepped down in June after major criticism of the agency's role in the Boeing 737 Max fallout and its relationship with Boeing. "He understands aviation safety, and that our journey requires constant vigilance and continuous improvement," FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said of Nolen.   Read full story  

Canadian airlines Air Transat and WestJet, will cooperate in a codeshare pact that allows customers to book transatlantic travel involving both carriers on a single ticket with through-checked bags. "We are very excited to join forces with WestJet in what I am sure will be a successful collaboration. This agreement is a first milestone to grow and strengthen our network through alliances ", said Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Transat. WestJet's code will be placed on Air Transat flights to select cities across Europe, and Air Transat's code will be placed on select WestJet flights in North America to enable both carriers to offer the connecting transatlantic itineraries. The codeshare agreement is scheduled to be implemented in early 2022, subject to usual regulatory approvals. The airlines will update customers with details once finalised.

Canada based Westjet is adding more flights to Scotland for next summer. Four times weekly flights from Toronto to Glasgow kick off from 20 May 2022, followed by three flights a week to Edinburgh on  2 June 2022. Edinburgh is a new destination for the airline while it has been flying to Glasgow for several years. The airline will also restart Halifax - Glasgow flights. "As we continue to rebuild our international network, we're pleased to offer our guests new options to connect via our Toronto hub," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "Guests on both sides of the Atlantic will benefit from more choices and lower fares when travelling between Canada and Scotland," Scotland is now open for Canadian travellers, after Canada's recent move to the UK's green list. "VisitScotland has enjoyed a very positive partnership with WestJet and we look forward to working closely with them to make these additional services a success also," said Denise Hill, Head of Engagement at Visit Scotland.