CALGARY, CANADA — Calgary-based Canadian full-service operator WestJet today celebrated the highly anticipated inaugural flight between Winnipeg and Los Angeles.The departure of flight WS1315 at 7:00 a.m. local marked a major milestone for Manitoba's tourism, trade, and business sectors as Winnipeg gains a seamless four-hour link to the globally renowned film and entertainment mecca.
"With a thriving film and television industry, our Manitoban guests and partners have long awaited this integral connection and will benefit substantially from convenient flights between both cities," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer.
"As the only airline providing direct connectivity between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, this route not only supports our efforts to bolster the economic success of the communities we serve but provides a vital link that will stimulate new business, investment, and tourism opportunities."
"The excitement surrounding this new, nonstop route between Winnipeg and Los Angeles has been building ever since it was announced a few months ago," said Winnipeg Airports Authority President & CEO Nick Hays.
"Not only does it significantly enhance the connectivity of the region we serve, but it's also meaningful for our local economy, particularly the province's thriving film industry. We're ecstatic to help bring this valuable route to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and are proud to see our longstanding partnership with WestJet continue to grow to benefit all Manitobans."
The departure of WS1315 marks the first of three weekly WestJet flights that travel between Winnipeg and Los Angeles on a year-round basis.
This winter, WestJet aims to solidify its position as the leading airline in Winnipeg, providing more nonstop routes than any other carrier. Further, the WestJet Group will increase capacity to and from Winnipeg by 80 percent in comparison to 2021, serving 22 nonstop, direct routes and producing the largest year-over-year growth of any major airport in the group's network.
