Fort St. John and Nanaimo, B.C. first two communities to receive WestJet Encore service
WestJet announced this week the launch of new non-stop daily service to Fort St. John and Nanaimo, British Columbia. The service will be operated by WestJet Encore’s fleet of Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, and includes new daily service between Vancouver and Victoria.
“The announcement of the first two cities to be served by WestJet Encore is an historic moment for this new airline,” said Ferio Pugliese, Executive Vice-President, WestJet, and President, WestJet Encore. “As Canada’s low-fare leader, we look forward to introducing our award-winning guest experience to Canadians in smaller communities while connecting to our network of 85 destinations in 18 countries.”
In June 2012, representatives from more than 30 Canadian cities came to WestJet’s Calgary campus to convey their interest in WestJet Encore. Fort St. John and Nanaimo are the first two cities, and others will be added in the future.
“We are just getting started,” said Ferio Pugliese. “The communities that are not part of today’s announcement continue to be under consideration as we take delivery of additional aircraft later this year and in the years to come.”
WestJet Encore will take delivery of its first two Canadian-built, 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft in June 2013 and add five more by the end of the year. WestJet has firm orders for a total of 20 Q400s and options for an additional 25 over the next six years.
“Strategically, providing access to more Canadians as well as using WestJet Encore to fly new non-stops and enhance our frequency between markets will not only enable incremental growth from new markets but also enhance our overall value for the business market,” said Ferio Pugliese.
“Today, more than 50 WestJetters are flying into Fort St. John and Nanaimo to begin our relationship with those communities,” he added. “We are committed to winning the hearts and minds of these communities through our low fares, remarkable guest experience and fun, friendly and caring service.”
WestJet is committed to the communities it serves through its community investment programs, WestJetters Caring for our Community and WestJet Cares for Kids. In Fort St. John and Nanaimo, WestJet will recognize one Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer from each of the two cities for their tireless efforts on behalf of the agency and their community. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of WestJet’s six national charitable partners dedicated to the health and wellness of children.
