WestJet and the Government of Alberta celebrate a pivotal milestone in their partnership, marking two years of aviation innovation and economic development. Since their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2022, the collaboration has propelled Alberta’s aviation industry, generating substantial growth.
This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Calgary as a major global hub, particularly with WestJet’s decision to centralize all its widebody operations in the city. As a result, Calgary now boasts the highest post-pandemic growth rate among Canadian airports and has become the best-connected midsized city in North America.
Through this collaboration, WestJet’s influence has extended beyond Calgary. The airline has expanded its presence across Alberta, directly benefiting communities like Edmonton. As part of the continued growth, WestJet’s reach includes over 130 non-stop routes and more than 100 aircraft based in Alberta, serving over 14 million passengers annually. The partnership also contributed an estimated $20 billion to Alberta’s economy while creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating significant tourism revenue. WestJet’s ongoing expansion, including new routes to Japan and South Korea, further enhances Alberta’s role in global trade and connectivity.
Looking to the future, WestJet and the Government of Alberta remain committed to strengthening Alberta’s aviation infrastructure. Their focus includes increasing Calgary’s seat capacity by 80% by 2028 and maintaining a fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft. Additionally, they aim to expand Calgary’s global hub with even more direct routes. The creation of an Aviation Training Centre of Excellence will further support Alberta’s long-term growth in the aviation sector. As this partnership continues to evolve, Alberta is poised to remain a leader in aviation excellence.
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