WestJet launches new Edinburgh and Glasgow services
WestJet has announced the launch of new services between Toronto and Scotland, with the addition of non-stop flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow beginning in Spring 2022.
Above:
A WestJet Boeing 737 approaching Toronto Pearson Airport, Canada.
Image By sockagphoto / Copyright Shutterstock
Adding to the airline's international destination map, a service between Edinburgh and Toronto is set to launch on 2nd June 2022, while flights between Glasgow and Toronto will begin on 20th May 2022.
"As we continue to rebuild our international network, we're pleased to offer our guests new options to connect via our Toronto hub for business and leisure to these incredible cities," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "This spring, guests on both sides of the Atlantic will benefit from more choices and lower fares when travelling between Canada and Scotland.
"We're looking forward to welcoming Edinburgh to our international network and strengthening travel and tourism between our two countries. Whether travellers are looking to discover Edinburgh's enchanting castles and cobbled streets or exploring the vibrance of Toronto and beyond, we're committed to introducing new destinations and routes to our network."
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: "We know there is huge interest in North America and Canada in particular, so welcoming a fantastic airline like WestJet to Edinburgh Airport is hugely exciting and we are glad to welcome them to Scotland's capital.
"People are beginning to plan those family reunions and longed for holidays so we hope new additions where possible will help to satisfy that demand and the route will also present a great opportunity to strengthen business links. We look forward to welcoming WestJet to Edinburgh and showing off our fantastic capital city and everything else that Scotland has to offer."
WestJet will become the latest airline to arrive into the capital after Virgin Atlantic recently announced it will set up home there and it will be the first time the Canadian carrier will operate flights from the capital. WestJet’s decision to fly from Edinburgh grows the connections Scotland’s capital has with North America, with more transatlantic carriers expected to resume services next year.
Derek Provan, Chief Executive of AGS Airports Ltd, which owns Glasgow Airport, said: “As well as being the first North American carrier to confirm a return to Glasgow with the resumption of the Halifax route, our long-time airline partner WestJet has also chosen to strengthen its partnership with us further by expanding operations in Scotland to now include Toronto.
“This decision will be well received by the hundreds of thousands of passengers we welcome each year who have sorely missed the connectivity between our two countries during the last 16 months.
“Both the Halifax and Toronto routes are crucial steps towards the rebuilding of Glasgow’s long-haul network and re-establishing the airport’s dominant position in the Scotland-Canada market.”
Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “WestJet’s new seasonal service from Toronto is a major boost for Glasgow.
“Canada is a key international market for the city and in 2019 some 38,000 Canadian visitors travelled here; spending £12m in our hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and other businesses.
“As has been the case for all major cities, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on Glasgow’s tourism economy. Today’s announcement is welcome news and reflects the importance of resuming international travel to Glasgow’s – and Scotland’s – economic recovery from the pandemic. It also demonstrates WestJet’s ongoing commitment to the city and will build on their existing service from Halifax, Nova Scotia, which has been operating since 2015.
“I wish WestJet and Glasgow Airport every success with this new route, which will help to reconnect Glasgow to the global marketplace.”
Both routes will be operated using WestJet’s latest generation Boeing 737 fleet.
Graeme Day, Minister of Transport, Scotland said: "I welcome WestJet's commitment to Scotland and the launch of their new services to Toronto from both Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports.
"It is encouraging to see airlines develop their connectivity with Scotland at this time. Canada is an important market for Scotland, and I am sure these routes will be welcomed by both business travellers and tourists in both our countries. I also welcome the use of WestJet's latest generation aircraft that will help minimise carbon emissions. I wish WestJet and the airports every success with these routes."
Denise Hill, Head of Engagement, Visit Scotland said: "The announcement today that WestJet will launch Toronto services direct into both Glasgow and Edinburgh in spring 2022 is hugely welcome for the recovery of Scotland's inbound tourism markets. With Canada now a green list destination, making it easier for Canadians to visit, this adds further grounds for optimism for the return of one of Scotland's key international markets.
"VisitScotland has enjoyed a very positive partnership with WestJet in promoting their continuing Halifax to Glasgow service and we look forward to working closely with them to make these additional services a success also. With a strong latent demand for travel, these new air routes present an opportune moment for Scottish tourism businesses to re-engage with this important market."
With the addition of Edinburgh to the airline's international network, service between Toronto (YYZ) and Edinburgh (EDI) is set to operate three-times weekly effective 2nd June 2022, while service between Toronto and Glasgow (GLA) will operate four-times weekly as of 20th May 2022.
"We are excited to see our partners at WestJet bringing these new routes to Toronto Pearson," said Janik Reigate, Director, Strategic Customer Relationships, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "From curb to gate and back again, when you're ready to travel, you can do so knowing that your health and safety is our top priority. You'll notice our Healthy Airport commitment in action across all touchpoints of your airport journey, from parking, check-in and bag drop to shopping, dining and more."