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The airline, powered by Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 aircraft, recently broke the six million guests-flown mark. WestJet Photo
On June 24, WestJet’s regional airline, WestJet Encore, will celebrate its third year in the sky. The airline, powered by Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 aircraft, recently broke the six million guests-flown mark.
Since its launch, Encore has been embraced by more than 30 Canadian communities seeking improved connectivity, lower fares and competitive air service.
“We’ve had a dramatic impact on the new markets we’ve served since our launch three years ago,” said Ferio Pugliese, WestJet Encore president. “New WestJet Encore airports experience a 50 per cent increase in traffic on average, with some airports experiencing triple-digit percentage growth. Average fares in these same markets have fallen 20 to 40 per cent, year-over-year.
“We’ve created an entirely new set of air travellers who may not have had the opportunity to fly before due to limited options and high fares. We’re extremely proud of the accomplishments and hard work of more than 1,000 WestJetters who’ve helped make WestJet Encore a success.”
“Over the last three years, we have watched WestJet Encore become the world’s fastest growing operator of the Q400 aircraft—carrying millions of guests from coast-to-coast across Canada and into the U.S.,” said Fred Cromer, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We truly value their partnership and continue to be inspired by their now famous culture of creativity and ingenuity. We wish all the WestJetters at Encore a very happy third anniversary and much success in the future.”
WestJet Encore launched on Monday, June 24, 2013, using two Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The day of the launch, Encore had 10 departures offering non-stop service between Calgary and Nanaimo, B.C.; Calgary and Fort St. John, B.C.; Vancouver and Fort St. John; and, Calgary and Saskatoon. Today, three short years later, WestJet Encore will operate 188 flights to 32 destinations.
WestJet recently exercised its final nine options to bring its Bombardier Q400 order to a confirmed 45 aircraft at a list price of US$1.59 billion. The Encore fleet represents one of the largest purchases of Ontario-made Q400 aircraft in the history of the province’s aerospace industry and supports some of the best manufacturing jobs in this critical sector of the Canadian economy.
“WestJet Encore remains committed to evolving our network offerings and our guest experience to guarantee that we’re meeting the needs of all Canadian travellers,” said Pugliese. “We’ve had an exceptional three years thanks to the guests and communities we serve and know that even better days are ahead.”
