WestJet to fly to Lethbridge
Flights at Lethbridge Airport to begin in March
It’s the news many air travellers have been waiting for. Calgary-based airline WestJet announced on Friday that it will provide flights at the Lethbridge Airport beginning in March.
The airline will provide three daily flights between Lethbridge and Calgary under the “WestJet Link” program in a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines.
It’s considered a “significant achievement” for the Lethbridge Airport, as it will offer additional opportunities for travel to Calgary and beyond.
“The daily flights to Calgary will provide additional and convenient access for business and leisure travellers, further solidifying the airport as a thriving air service centre,” said Lethbridge County Reeve Lorne Hickey, in a press release. “Calgary is a hub for travel around the globe, and with flights to and from the Lethbridge Airport this service will provide southern Alberta yet another opportunity to access a gateway to the world. As we work toward growing the airport and its services, this announcement will help us to achieve that goal.”
Lethbridge County and the City of Lethbridge are pursuing a joint governance model and developing an Airport Master Plan to enhance services and ensure the airport remains a strong economic asset to the area.
Community engagement in the form of surveys and stakeholder interviews was conducted in 2016 to gather information on the public’s experiences with the airport and how it could improve.
At the time, WestJet had no interest in coming to Lethbridge because there wasn’t enough market to have two competing airlines, according to an earlier Herald interview with Mayor Chris Spearman.
In a comment on social media, Spearman welcomed the news that WestJet is coming.
“Great to see WestJet will be providing service to Lethbridge and other Alberta mid-size cities,” he wrote. “Competition will lead to better pricing, better service and greater connectivity. It’s now up to Lethbridge businesses and residents to use and sustain air service from our airport. Let’s stop driving to Calgary.”
In addition, the airport committee, which includes Spearman and members of Lethbridge City and Lethbridge County councils, along with the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, has been advocating to the provincial government about the need for capital funding for upgrades at the airport.
The WestJet Link flights will be operated by Pacific Coastal’s fleet of 34-seat 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.
The program will also provide flights to Calgary from Cranbrook, Medicine Hat, Lloydminster and Prince George in 2018.
WestJet flights between Lethbridge and Calgary are scheduled to begin March 7, 2018. Introductory one-way fares to/from Calgary are available ranging from $98.83 to $114.58 (including taxes, fees and charges).
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