The FINANCIAL — WestJet announced on August 14 it will begin serving Denver International Airport (DEN) daily from Calgary International Airport (YYC) starting March 8, 2018.
“Calgarians have enjoyed WestJet’s low fares and great guest experience since our inception and we are proud to bring our trusted brand to the Mile-High City, Denver,” said Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “With its sophisticated business economy and stunning mountain scenery, Denver is a natural for the WestJet network. Connecting through Calgary will also allow Denver’s business and leisure travellers year round access to the broader Canadian WestJet network.”
Canada ranks as Colorado’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly $1.4 billion in exports in 2016. In addition, Canada ranks as the second-largest foreign investor in Colorado, only the United Kingdom has more corporate presence, according to Denver International Airport.
“We welcome WestJet’s investment in our market which further strengthens Denver’s global brand,” said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “This new service will continue to boost our economy, with an estimated statewide economic impact of nearly $19 million annually and the creation of more than 150 new jobs.”
Calgary ranks as Denver’s third-largest market in Canada with nearly 150 people traveling between the two cities each day. Overall Canada ranks as Denver’s second-largest international market in terms of demand, accounting for 12 per cent of total international travel.
“WestJet is an airline we have long courted, and we are pleased the carrier has chosen Denver as its newest transborder destination,” said Kim Day, Denver International Airport, CEO. “Not only are Denver and Calgary similar cities in terms of size and geography, but Denver International Airport and WestJet share similar values in terms of a strong commitment to customer service and a focus on innovation.”
“This announcement of non-stop service to Denver, Calgary’s sister city, is a welcome addition to the 56 destinations that WestJet currently serves out of YYC,” said Bob Sartor, President and CEO for The Calgary Airport Authority. “With several new destinations added and increases in frequencies this year, we know that WestJet is committed to growing their extensive route network out of YYC, benefiting Albertans looking to access top destinations around the world.”
“Canada values its relationships with Colorado – both cultural and economic – very deeply, and Denver International Airport is the gateway that helps us keep those connections strong,” said Stéphane Lessard, Consul General of Canada in Denver. “As this state’s number one international trading partner, it makes sense that the list of great Canadian companies with investments in this state continues to grow as we now welcome WestJet to Mile High.”
Overall, WestJet’s guests in Calgary have a total of 57 different WestJet destinations, including 17 U.S. destinations to choose from, more than any other airline flying out of Calgary International Airport. By 2018, WestJet will have increased capacity out of YYC by 48 per cent over the last 10 years and will account for 53 per cent of the seat capacity out of the city.
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