WestJet link operated by Pacific Coastal to fly Cranbrook to Calgary route—3 times a day

WestJet flights to Cranbrook begin March 7, 2018 and a one way fare starts at $64

Tristen Chernove, CEO of Elevate Airports, cuts celebratory cake at announcement that WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines have partnered to bring jet service (Calgary to Cranbrook) to Canadian Rockies International Airport. — Photo credit: Kootenay Business/Keith Powell

WestJet today introduced WestJet Link, a new regional air service operating under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Using Pacific Coastal Airlines' aircraft painted in WestJet colours, WestJet Link will connect the communities of  Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat and Prince George to WestJet's rapidly expanding network hub at the YYC Calgary International Airport. These new routes will add to WestJet's existing leadership position in Calgary, offering more flights and seats to more destinations than any other airline.

All WestJet Link flights will be operated by Pacific Coastal using its fleet of 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft. Each aircraft will include six seats available in WestJet Plus, offering guests advanced boarding, no-charge for two checked bags and seating at the front of the aircraft.

Quotes:

"A CPA with Pacific Coastal underscores WestJet's commitment to offering more Canadians access to WestJet's low fares and growing network. WestJet Link will be that connection to these communities and will offer more choice and more competition for air travellers, as well as more opportunities to earn and use WestJet Rewards."
Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial

"All of us at Pacific Coastal Airlines are excited and proud to be entering this relationship with WestJet. Our two airlines, both based in Western Canada, share many similar corporate and guest service values and we feel that this CPA is a perfect partnership to link many new communities to the WestJet network."
Quentin Smith, President, Pacific Coastal Airlines

"This new partnership between WestJet and Pacific Coastal will allow smaller communities within Alberta and British Columbia to take advantage of YYC's extensive route network. Bringing in new passengers from these communities provides more opportunities to support additional long-haul destinations and contributes greatly to WestJet's growth strategy out of YYC."
Bob Sartor, President and CEO for The Calgary Airport Authority

"Today's announcement represents a milestone that we've been striving towards for years. This partnership between two great companies, WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines, is a best case scenario allowing for the right-size aircraft, providing high frequency and timely connections to Calgary and WestJet's international network. In addition, we are pleased to announce we will reduce our Airport Improvement Fee in Cranbrook to four dollars for all flights booked on or after December 1, 2017, for travel on or after March 7, 2018. Welcome WestJet, you will soon see just how delighted we are to have you operating in the Kootenays."
Tristen Chernove, CEO, Elevate Airports  

"This is very exciting news for the City of Cranbrook and surrounding communities. Residents from the East and West Kootenay have been waiting for years for WestJet connections to Calgary giving access to destinations around the world.  This also opens up the world with easier access to the Kootenays. Pacific Coastal has been a great supporter of the Canadian Rockies International Airport and this solidifies their other routes with us. We will put concentrated effort into encouraging the public to take advantage of this added service."
Lee Pratt, Mayor of Cranbrook

Pacific Coastal Airlines

A privately owned, British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal (YVR), Pacific Coastal is the third largest airline at YVR in annual takeoffs and landings. It flies to 15 airports and connects to more than 50 destinations in the province, from as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Prince George and Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii.

About WestJet

WestJet is proud to be named Best Airline in Canada and one of the best Low Cost Airlines in North America, based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on Trip Advisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook. Together with our regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships. WestJet Vacations offers affordable, flexible vacations to more than 60 destinations and the choice of more than 800 hotels, resorts, condos and villas.  Members of the WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of flights and vacations packages to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods, and have access to Member Exclusive fares offering deals to WestJet destinations throughout our network and those of our partner airlines.

WestJet flights to Cranbrook begin March 7, 2018 and a one way fare starts at $64.