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WestJet now serving region
On Wednesday, June 20, the first WestJet flight from Calgary (YYC) into the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) landed just after 11 a.m.
Many dignitaries were on-hand to celebrate the new service and spoke about the amazing opportunities for the communities in the region that the WestJet flights will offer. Locals can now connect to WestJet’s extensive route network and inbound travellers from across Canada can travel to enjoy all that the Kootenay Rockies region offers.
“Kootenay Rockies Tourism is extremely pleased with the launch of the new WestJet service. Not only will this additional service serve residents and business travellers well, but visitors to our region now have a new viable option to experience all that the Kootenay Rockies region has to offer from the Calgary gateway,” stated Kathy Cooper, CEO Kootenay Rockies Tourism.
“The new service is very exciting and will offer new business opportunities for our stakeholders. We commend Tristen and his team for their efforts to secure this new service and we look forward to working in partnership with the airport to get the word out.”
The formal event was hosted by Tristen Chernove – Airport Manager for Elevate Airports Inc.
First to the podium was Robert Palmer – Manager, WestJet Public Affairs who was followed by Laura Nadin-Young – Director Airports, Pacific Coastal Airlines. Both spoke about the unique partnership between the two airlines and the great customer service culture that their companies embrace.
City of Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt and City of Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick spoke about the ongoing collaboration between the two cities on economic opportunities.
Chris McCurry – CEO, Aqam Community Enterprises welcomed the audience to the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation.
Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area F Director and Union of British Columbia Municipalities president Wendy Booth, Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka and Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok all spoke about the new WestJet service allowing them to return home easier after their busy days in Victoria.
Also on hand was Brianna Rota, Constituency Assistant for Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski, who was unable to attend.
Many tourism professionals were also in attendance including Jikke Gyorki – Tourism Fernie; Jesse Ferguson – Tourism Kimberley; Chris Andrews – Cranbrook Tourism and Wendy Van Puymbroeck – Kootenay Rockies Tourism.
The new regional air service is operating under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with Pacific Coastal Airlines.
Using Pacific Coastal’s 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft painted in WestJet colours, it will connect the region to WestJet’s rapidly expanding network hub at the Calgary International Airport.
WestJet has been voted Canada’s Most Trusted Airline, Best Airline in Canada, Traveller’s Choice for Mid-Size and Low Cost Airlines, Most Reputable Company and Best Employees in recent years.
Photos courtesy Kootenay Rockies Tourism
Kootenay Rockies Tourism
