WestJet and Air France More Than Double Codeshare Destinations

Canadian airline WestJet has announced a significant expansion of the carrier’s codeshare agreement with Air France to take effect from Sept. 25. The airlines have had a partnership for over 10 years that currently gives WestJet passengers the ability to access 22 destinations across Europe. With the announced expansion the number of destinations will expand by 31 in 11 countries through Paris’ Charles De Gaulle airport.

Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Commercial Development, said: “WestJet is thrilled to more than double our current destination offerings through our Air France codeshare agreement, significantly expanding opportunities for Canadians to turn their dream European getaways into a reality.”

In addition to the codeshare expansion, WestJet has confirmed that the service between the airline’s Calgary base and Paris will become year-round. Previously the Boeing 787 Dreamliner operation was seasonal but due to demand will be scheduled daily at peak times and continue beyond the Northern Summer.

“As we prepare for our first year of winter flying to Paris, today’s announcement marks an important milestone in our partnership with Air France, that will bolster seamless connectivity between Canada and desirable destinations such as Nice in the south of France, Helsinki in Finland and sunny Valencia in Spain,” said Avery.

The codeshare agreement will allow passengers to travel on one ticket with a combination of airlines and earn loyalty points across the whole journey. Fahmi Mahjoub, Air France KLM Senior Vice-President, Alliances, added: “Air France and WestJet have a long-standing and extensive relationship with already more than 23 destinations offered across Canada under Air France code. With this development we are expanding the cooperation further and are honored to welcome WestJet’s guests onboard our European network.”

WestJet has undertaken a number of strategic initiatives of late with the purchase of leisure carrier Sunwing and the cessation of operations for ultra-low-cost (ULCC) subsidiary Swoop. Sunwing will be integrated into the main WestJet business and Swoop is scheduled to operate its last flight on Oct. 28.  At the time of the announcement Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer said: “The integration of all jets from Sunwing Airlines, Swoop and WestJet into one fleet will provide us with the scale to enhance our collective operational resilience while offering more affordable fares and vacation opportunities across our entire network.”

Earlier this month the airline announced an increase in services from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to key destinations Ottawa and Los Angeles. Frequency to the Canadian capital will increase to 14 flights per week with flights to LAX reaching a winter peak of 21 per week.

Jane McCurdy, WestJet Director, Network Planning and Alliances stated at the time of the announcement: “With increased demand for these two popular routes from Calgary, we are able to provide enhanced capacity and more seats for our valued guests this winter.” This winter season WestJet will operate almost 900 flights from YYC during peak travel periods.

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John Flett

John has always had a passion for aviation and through a career with Air New Zealand has gained a strong understanding of aviation operations and the strategic nature of the industry.

During his career with the airline, John held multiple leadership roles and was involved in projects such as the introduction of both the 777-200 and -300 type aircraft and the development of the IFE for the 777-300. He was also part of a small team that created and published the internal communications magazines for Air New Zealand’s pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, balancing a mix of corporate and social content.

John is educated to postgraduate level achieving a Masters degree with Distinction in Airline and Airport Management. He has been the course director of an undergraduate commercial pilot training programme at a leading London university and a member of Heathrow Community Trust’s ‘Communities for Tomorrow’ panel.

John is currently living in Canada and is contracted as an external instructor for aviation-related organizations.

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