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WestJet has announced Glasgow, U.K., as its newest European destination. Daily non-stop flights from Halifax begin May 29, 2015, with direct (same-aircraft) service from Toronto, operated on one of the airline’s Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 series aircraft.
Highlights of the new service include:
- New daily non-stop seasonal flights between Halifax and Glasgow from May 29, 2015 to Oct. 23, 2015.
- New daily direct (same-aircraft) seasonal flights between Toronto and Glasgow.
- Daily connections between Glasgow via Halifax or Toronto to Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and 16 other cities in WestJet’s Canadian network.
“This year’s launch of service to Dublin has proved popular with existing transatlantic flyers and with new guests alike, thanks to market growth driven by drastically reduced fares,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet executive vice-president, sales, marketing and guest experience. “Fares to Glasgow will be as much as fifty per cent off existing prices, so we’ll once again grow the market. Increased European operational and marketing experience is important as we count the months until four Boeing 767-300ERW aircraft join our fleet to further grow our network.”
WestJet expects its new flights to be popular with Nova Scotians visiting family and friends, Canadian visitors looking for a uniquely Scottish experience and with British guests travelling to Canada.
The Scotland-bound flight, WS 30, was numbered in honour of St. Andrew’s Day, which falls on Nov. 30. WestJet’s second transatlantic route is a five-hour 15-minute journey – only a wee bit longer than the airline’s popular flight from Halifax to Calgary.
“Many Nova Scotians and Canadians trace their family roots back to Scotland and will be thrilled with increased ability to connect,” stated the Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. “WestJet’s addition of this direct flight to Glasgow will not only strengthen economic ties with Europe, furthering opportunities for trade in concert with CETA, but will also strengthen significant ties to a country that has had a significant impact on Canada’s cultural, social, artistic, military and political fabric.”
“Nova Scotia and Scotland have always had close ties and this connection between Halifax and Glasgow only brings us closer,” said Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil. “Whether it’s a business traveler looking for opportunities to export our goods and services to Europe, or tourists who now have an easier way to experience Nova Scotia’s hospitality, this link will help drive our economy forward.”
“We are delighted that WestJet will offer direct service to Glasgow,” says Joyce Carter, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority. “This new route connects our region to a destination that has deep-rooted cultural significance for many of us, and takes full-advantage of pent-up demand for service to this market.”
WestJet will also resume its highly successful service between St. John’s, N.L., and Dublin, Ireland, on May 1, 2015, six weeks earlier than in 2014.
