CALGARY — WestJet has added nonstop flights to Mexico City from not one major Canadian gateway, but two, starting next March on a year-round basis.

Calgary service will begin on March 14 with four weekly flights, while Vancouver flights kick off one day later on March 15 with three-time weekly service. Effective April 29, both routes will move to daily service.

The launch of these two new routes expands WestJet’s position as the Canadian airline with the most flights to Mexico.

“We are proud of our continued investments in connecting the economies of Canada and Mexico and providing choice and competition for Canada’s business and leisure travellers,” said Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice-President Commercial. “These flights will also enable Mexican visitors an affordable option to discover our country and Mexican businesses to increase commercial ties.”

On the impact the new route will have on Albertans, Bob Sartor, President and CEO for The Calgary Airport Authority, said: “WestJet’s new nonstop service to Mexico City will be another great route option for Albertans looking to connect to one of the world’s largest trading markets. As a burgeoning business market for agriculture and oil and gas, this is an important link as our city and region looks for opportunities to grow and diversify our economy.”

Craig Richmond, President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority, added: “This is excellent news – YVR greatly values our partner WestJet and their efforts to link our airport with key destinations around the world. Mexico City is rich in experiences, offering incredible tourism options and a broad range of business opportunities. We are excited to work with WestJet to ensure this new route is a big success.”

WestJet currently serves 10 cities in Mexico from 17 Canadian cities and offers more nonstop routes than any other Canadian airline; at peak winter schedule, it will operate more than 140 flights per week.

Since 2012, WestJet’s airline traffic to Mexico has grown by more than 50%. Last winter, it flew an average o 18 daily roundtrips between Canada and Mexico, carrying a total of more than one million guests to the destination.

Introductory one-way fares start from $198.23 for Calgary, and $198.73 for Vancouver.