Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 17 seconds.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil joined WestJet president and CEO Ed Sims at WestJet’s Calgary campus on Oct. 26, 2018, to celebrate 15 years of investment in the province, creating jobs, driving economic growth and furthering the region’s strategic business and tourism objectives.
“WestJet’s presence in Nova Scotia has made a significant, positive impact regionally, nationally and internationally,” said McNeil. “That commitment to our province enhances trade, investment and business growth while helping attract more students, immigrants, and visitors. We congratulate the WestJet team for the past 15 years of growth and look forward to even more success in the years ahead.”
“WestJet is a significant driver of economic growth in Nova Scotia,” said Sims. “We are pleased to help make Atlantic Canada the preferred choice for international commerce coming to or leaving the east coast of North America.”
WestJet by the numbers:
- The year WestJet brought service to Nova Scotia: 2003
- Average number of weekly flights from Halifax and Sydney (combined): 182
- Number of non-stop destinations available from Nova Scotia: 17
- Growth of service (flights) to and from Halifax in past five years: 160 per cent
- Increase in the number of seats to and from Halifax in past five years: from 918,000 to 1.9 million
- Total economic impact (direct, indirect and induced aggregate): $354 million (2016)
“WestJet has significantly increased connectivity to, from and within the province, particularly in recent years, and we are grateful for the support of Nova Scotians,” added Sims. “We are the only Canadian carrier serving Vancouver and Winnipeg from Halifax, and our non-stop services from Halifax to Glasgow, Paris and London Gatwick have strengthened economic ties with the European Union.”
“At Halifax Stanfield, we continuously strive to advance business and economic development,” said Joyce Carter, president and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority.
“WestJet has demonstrated their commitment to Nova Scotia by growing their route network, increasing air service at our airport, and championing opportunities for growth. Their introduction of service to Paris and London Gatwick this year alone are examples of that dedication. We thank them for their leadership as we work collaboratively to create prosperity for our region through flight.”
“WestJet has contributed positively to air travel to and from Cape Breton Island these last few years and both the increased access and competition has helped make air travel to and from Cape Breton much more attractive to more people, which in turn has contributed to our growing tourism sector,” said Mary Tulle, chief executive officer of the Cape Breton Destination Association.
Swoop, WestJet’s ultra-low-cost carrier, also serves Nova Scotia with six flights per week between Halifax and Hamilton.
