Westjet move boosts winter flight options in Saskatchewan

Travellers in Regina and Saskatoon are expected to have more flight options this winter.

On Monday, WestJet announced that it was expanding in Saskatchewan – adding more seats and more flight frequencies to the airports of both cities, representing a 27 per cent increase for the province.

“We are absolutely thrilled,” James Bogusz, president and CEO of Regina Airport Authority, told 980 CJME on Monday, adding that the airline’s move represented a 32 per cent increase to seats at YQR this winter.

Bogusz said those flights would include a daily service to Vancouver, as well as a return of the daily service to Toronto, which hasn’t ran since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also said there would be increases in flights to Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg.

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“They didn’t leave out the sun destinations,” Bogusz said. “WestJet’s also returning with many frequencies to places like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta; they’re doing twice weekly to Phoenix, once weekly to Orlando, and also once weekly to Las Vegas.”

Bogsuz said YQR will offer direct non-stop flights to the sun destinations.

The airport authority CEO also said there would be a daily flight to Minneapolis–Saint Paul, with connections beyond there through Delta Air Lines.

Bogusz said Westjet’s investment in Saskatchewan showed confidence in the province’s growing market.

“Our province is growing, and I think we’ve done a great job attracting new residents in businesses,” he said.

“… WestJet does not make these investments if they don’t believe they’re going to pay off.”

Bogusz said the announcement is huge not just for Regina, but for areas like Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Weyburn and Estevan.

Saskatoon (YXE) will benefit from a 24 per cent increase in overall capacity, with WestJet to provide 96 weekly departures to 11 different destinations.

YXE is also expected to see a 13 per cent increase in trans-border seat capacity as well as a five per cent increase in “Latin/Carribean” seats.

“WestJet’s sustained commitment to our community will benefit our passengers by offering greater flexibility and choice, and also contributes to the economic growth of our region by facilitating business and tourism opportunities,” Stephen Maybury, president and CEO of YXE said in a news release.

Bogusz said Regina punches above its weight as a place to come to for a conference or sporting event.

“Come the winter, we are going to be the only city in Saskatchewan with a daily non-stop service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul,” Bogusz said.

“We’re very excited about that. That’s going to give us lots of opportunities — yes for tourism, but more importantly for business, visiting friends and family and really to make sure we attract those events and conferences to our city. That is a big part of our economy.”

– With files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink

Read more

• Canadian flights, hospitals, border disrupted during global technology outage
• ‘Very disappointing:’ YQR head surprised by Lynx Air’s departure