CALGARY — Starting Dec. 13 WestJet will operate a nonstop overnight flight to Punta Cana out of Calgary using B767 aircraft that includes the airline’s updated Premium and Economy cabin service.
“Get ready for some spectacular beach vibes this winter with WestJet,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer. “With our new route between Calgary and Punta Cana, along with 24 other sun destinations to choose from, WestJet is getting our guests from Alberta to the sun and sand sooner than ever this winter.”
The weekly flight will depart Calgary at 11 p.m., arriving in Punta Cana at 8:45 a.m. On the return, the flight will leave PUJ at 10:15 a.m., arriving back in Calgary at 2:56 p.m.
WestJet has also announced a new weekly nonstop between Victoria and Los Cabos starting Nov. 5.
On that route, also weekly, flights will depart Victoria at 8 a.m., arriving in Cabo at 1:14 p.m. Coming back, the flight will take off at 2:15 p.m., arriving in Victoria at 5:55 p.m.
This winter WestJet will operate more than 980 weekly departures from Calgary to more than 60 destinations in the WestJet network including 25 sun destinations.
Out of Victoria, WestJet will operate more than 90 weekly departures to seven destinations in the WestJet network including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.
WestJet’s ultra low-cost carrier, Swoop, will also be flying into Cabo, for winter 2019/20. The winter schedule, released today, includes 28 winter sun routes.
Meanwhile WestJet’s acquisition by Onex Corp., announced last month, is so far on track.
Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau has given his approval to the proposed $3.5-billion deal.
The Calgary-based airline says the minister determined the deal doesn’t raise public-interest issues for national transportation.
WestJet and Onex entered into a friendly deal last month to pay $31 per share cash for the airline, which will operate as a privately held company.
The offer was a reduction from the preliminary price of $35.75 per share submitted in March due to uncertainties related to the grounding of Boeing 737 Max jets, according to the proxy circular provided to shareholders.
Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO said, “We welcome the decision by the Minister of Transport, and we will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities on the remaining regulatory approvals.”
Garneau’s approval is one of the conditions for the deal to close.
The deal is also subject to other regulatory approvals and approval of WestJet shareholders at a meeting July 23.
With file from The Canadian Press
