CALGARY — WestJet has released an updated schedule for July, saying “we’re ready to get Canadians flying.”

The move comes as many provinces maintain recommendations against travelling out of province, and as the U.S. border remains closed, and the advisory against non-essential travel outside of Canada remains in place.

Last week a group of 130+ travel industry executives, the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable, sent an open letter to the federal and provincial governments, asking for travel restrictions to be loosened and for Canadians to be allowed to travel freely, with all the necessary health and safety protocols in place. WestJet is part of the roundtable, as are Canada’s other airlines and many other suppliers and retail travel groups.

“Jurisdictions around the world are opening, allowing citizens to begin flying once again which is kickstarting their economies for recovery. We’ve heard from the communities we serve and look forward to having Canadians safely participate and stimulate domestic tourism this summer,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer.

He adds: “As we emerge from the pandemic, health vigilance must be balanced with the gradual reopening of our economy. WestJet has done our part and spent millions of dollars to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests and our people. We’re ready to get Canadians flying.”

WestJet’s Safety Above All health and safety protocols are in place, plus the airline continues to provide flexibility in booking, change and cancellation policies.

“Today’s schedule reflects our commitment to orderly and safe travel while providing steps to allow Canadians to get out, explore, and take part in critical economic activities like staying in hotels, eating out, visiting tourist attractions or simply just travelling to see friends and family,” said von zur Muehlen.

“Governments and Canadians from coast-to-coast are working together to lessen the impact of this pandemic and we are grateful that these efforts have put us in a position to add more options for travel this July.”

From July 5 through August 4, 2020, WestJet will offer operations to 45 destinations including 39 in Canada, five in the U.S. and one in Mexico, an increase of approximately 102% more flights from June, but down 76% from July 2019.

The airline’s schedule now contains flights to transborder and international destinations including Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL) and Las Vegas (LAS).

WestJet recently began offering refunds on select U.S. and UK flights impacted by the pandemic travel shutdown and restrictions.

WestJet is planning on operating the following domestic routes and frequencies from July 5 – August 4.

ALBERTA AND NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

BRITISH COLUMBIA AND YUKON

ONTARIO

SASKATCHEWAN AND MANITOBA

QUEBEC

ATLANTIC CANADA

At this time, WestJet is planning on operating the following transborder and international routes from July 5 – August 4.

Due to the continued reduction in overall demand, border closures and domestic quarantine requirements that remain in place across the country, the revised schedule also includes temporary domestic route suspensions for July 5-August 4, 2020.