New agreement to make air travel more seamless
and affordable for Northern Canadians, providing unmatched
connectivity through WestJet's network
Interline will unlock greater opportunity for
travel to the Yukon and beyond
with Air North, creating new tourism and economic connections
within Northern Canada
WHITEHORSE, YT, July 29,
2024 /CNW/ - WestJet and Air North, Yukon's airline, today announced a new
interline agreement directly connecting both carrier's networks.
Starting July 31, guests can book a
single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet's global
network and the Yukon and
Northwest Territories with single
point check-in and through-checked bags for connecting
itineraries.
"Understanding the criticality of air access for remote
communities, and through our shared passion for affordable and
accessible air travel, WestJet and Air North are joining forces to
deliver the only full large carrier interline agreement to
Northern Canada," said
Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet
Director, Alliances and Airport Affairs. "This interline agreement
will redefine air travel to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories from WestJet's expansive
network, igniting important new tourism and business travel
opportunities. It will also unlock more seamless access for
education, medical and cargo services to reach remote
communities."
"Safe, affordable, and seamless air travel is a necessity rather
than a luxury for northerners. This interline agreement will
provide enhanced access to and from the rest of the world for
Yukoners and for visitors to the Yukon and are confident that, by doing so, it
will provide significant benefits for Yukoners, for visitors to the
Yukon and for Air North and
WestJet," said Joe Sparling, CEO,
Air North, Yukon's Airline.
Air North currently serves 12 Canadian destinations including
four Northern communities in the Yukon and Inuvik,
Northwest Territories. Through this interline agreement,
guests can book a single ticket to connect between more than 100
destinations in WestJet's growing network including popular tourism
hubs in Asia, Europe and the
United States conveniently through Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto or Edmonton to or from Whitehorse or Yellowknife, Yukon. This will also allow WestJet guests to
book a single ticket to some of Canada's most remote Northern Communities,
allowing for increased tourism and economic opportunities to bring
the world to the North.
Bookings will be available through a travel agent or third-party
ticket sales website starting July
31. WestJet and Air North will continue to work towards
future enhancements, including full through check-in capability to
be added in the future.
Additional quotes
"The Government of Yukon is
thrilled to support Air North's interline agreement with WestJet, a
significant step towards enhancing connectivity and convenience for
travelers across the Yukon and
beyond. This agreement will streamline travel options, making it
easier for Yukoners and visitors to access a broader network of
destinations. Fostering a stable and sustainable aviation sector is
a high priority for our government, and we are committed to
supporting initiatives that strengthen our aviation industry and
drive economic growth and accessibility for our communities," said
Premier Ranj Pillai, Government of
Yukon.
"Air North's interline agreement with WestJet is great news for
the Yukon, enhancing connectivity
for travellers in Whitehorse,
Dawson, and Old Crow. Our government has been working to
secure such agreements, demonstrating our commitment to supporting
Yukon's aviation sector. I am
proud to see this partnership which will benefit Yukoners,
visitors, and our aviation industry," said Nils Clarke, Minister of Highways and Public
Works, Government of Yukon.
"This exciting new agreement marks a significant milestone for
Yukoners and visitors alike, making travel to our beautiful
territory easier than ever. The interline agreement between WestJet
and Air North will open doors for more visitors from across
Canada and around the world to
experience all that the Yukon has
to offer. Our government extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone
involved in making this possible, and we eagerly anticipate
welcoming more folks North of 60," said John Streicker, Minister of Tourism and Culture,
Government of Yukon.
"Once again Air North is showing that innovation and cooperation
are key to a successful local airline industry. Congratulations to
Joe Sparling and the entire team at
Air North for helping to connect Yukoners to WestJet's domestic and
global network," said MP Brendan
Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon.
About WestJet
In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in
half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet
launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five
destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft,
14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26
countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit
westjet.com.
Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership