WestJet Launches New Routes to Japan and Europe

WestJet has just announced the upcoming 2023 launch of flights from its Calgary hub to Barcelona, Edinburgh, and Tokyo.

These destinations will bring the total number of overseas destinations to which WestJet will fly to eight, including its first transpacific route.

In addition to the exciting Japan launch, Canada’s second-largest airline will also increase the frequency on its other European routes next year.

WestJet’s New Calgary–Tokyo Narita Route

Beginning on April 30, 2023, WestJet will operate thrice-weekly flights to Tokyo Narita. The seasonal Tokyo-bound route will run on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, while the return flight is set to run on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The flight times are as follows:

• WS80 Calgary (YYC) to Tokyo Narita (NRT), departing 6:55pm and arriving 8pm the next day
• WS81 Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Calgary (YYC), departing 10pm and arriving 4pm the same day

The flight will be served by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with business class, premium economy, and economy cabins. 

Currently, this is the only scheduled direct flight between Alberta and Japan. Prior to the pandemic, Air Canada had a flight from Calgary to Tokyo, but that has yet to be restored.

The flights are already loaded in WestJet’s search engine, and can be booked throughout the schedule.

WestJet’s New Routes to Europe

WestJet also announced two new destinations in Europe that will add to the five other routes it currently has scheduled. Both routes will also be served by the three-cabin Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Beginning on May 6, 2023, WestJet will operate thrice-weekly flights between Calgary and Barcelona. The airline has previously flown from Toronto to Barcelona, but this marks the first time the route will be offered from Calgary.

The seasonal route is scheduled to run eastbound on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with westbound return dates of Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 

The flight times are as follows:

• WS8 Calgary (YYC) to Barcelona (BCN), departing 6:40pm and arriving 12pm the next day
• WS7 Barcelona (BCN) to Calgary (YYC), departing 2pm and arriving 4:19pm the same day

Meanwhile, the direct flight from Calgary to Edinburgh, Scotland is set to begin on May 17, 2023. The airline has also flown to Edinburgh from Toronto in previous years, but not from Calgary.

The airline will fly this route eastbound on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, returning westbound on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The flight times are as follows:

• WS3 Calgary (YYC) to Edinburgh (EDI), departing 8:20pm and arriving 10:55am the next day
• WS4 Edinburgh (EDI) to Calgary (YYC), departing 1pm and arriving 2:05pm the same day 

Flights to both destinations are already loaded in WestJet’s search engine, and can be booked throughout the schedule.

In addition to these two new routes, WestJet also plans to increase its service frequency on five existing routes out of Calgary:

• London Heathrow: Daily
• London Gatwick: Daily from April 30, 2023
• Paris: Daily
• Rome: Five times weekly from April 6, 2023
• Dublin: Five times weekly from April 30, 2023

Competitive Fares on WestJet’s New Routes

While its loyalty program leaves much to be desired, WestJet is offering some competitive paid fares on its new routes. In some cases, flying in premium economy winds up being less than flying in economy.

For example, a round-trip flight in premium economy between Calgary and Tokyo prices out at just over $2,200 (CAD). 

At just over 10 hours to Japan and around nine hours coming back to Calgary, having a bit of extra space and comfort would surely go a long way.

Prices with Air Canada in premium economy appear to be hovering around the same price as WestJet, albeit with a necessary layover in Vancouver.

WestJet Rewards members with no status will earn 0.5% back in WestJet points when booking this flight. WestJet Silver, Gold, and Platinum members will earn 3%, 5%, and 8% back respectively.

Paying for your flight with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard will also earn you an additional 2% back in WestJet points. 

Conclusion

WestJet is adding three new overseas routes from its base in Calgary in 2023. Its route to Tokyo will become the airline’s first destination in Asia, while the service to Barcelona and Edinburgh become the sixth and seventh European destinations to be served from Calgary. 

WestJet will also increase the frequency on its other European routes over the spring months. All overseas flights are to be served by the three-cabin Boeing 787 Dreamliner, including a lie-flat business class seat. 

It’s great to see new non-stop flights being launched from Calgary, and by the sounds of it, we’re likely to hear about other new routes from Calgary launching in the future.