Manitoba sees stars as WestJet announces direct flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles

Source: WestJet

• Airline continues to make strategic investments to boost economic growth and provide enhanced convenience for business and leisure travel

WestJet today celebrated its newest route, with the announcement of service between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, beginning October 31, 2022. The route, which will operate three-times weekly on a year-round basis, will strengthen integral ties and convenience in transportation between Winnipeg’s expanding television and film industry and the esteemed, world-renowned hub of entertainment itself, Los Angeles.

“It was an honour to attend today’s celebration that is the result of the collaborative partnership between Winnipeg Airports Authority, Economic Development Winnipeg, the Government of Manitoba and WestJet,” said John Weatherill, WestJet, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “WestJet is thrilled to be a part of this investment creating a new, direct link for business, tourism and entertainment between these two unique cites, building on our commitment to Winnipeg.”

WestJet’s newest investment was announced today at a special event held at Winnipeg’s Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, with notable guests of the film and television sector along with critical partners in attendance including, the Honourable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba; Nick Hays, President and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority; Dayna Spiring, President and CEO, Winnipeg Economic Development; and Rod Bruinooge, Interim CEO, Manitoba Film and Music. Last year, the Film and Television industry brought over $364.5 Million worth of production volume to Manitoba, and this new route will enable further growth and investment in the province.W

“Manitoba’s film and television industry plays a key role in our provincial economy, and I want to commend WestJet for this strategic investment that will have significant benefits not only for the entertainment industry, but for Manitoba’s tourism, trade and business sectors,” said Honourable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba. “As Manitoba’s economy takes off into a new era of growth, I look forward to continuing to work with WestJet and all economic development partners to identify opportunities of growth and promote Manitoba as a destination of choice.”

As the only airline providing direct connectivity between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, WestJet’s service between the two cities will stimulate business and leisure travel and is a testament to WestJet’s commitment to support investment and economic growth in the communities it serves.

This winter, WestJet will solidify its position as the leading airline in Winnipeg providing more non-stop routes than any other carrier. Further, the WestJet Group will increase capacity to and from Winnipeg by 80 per cent 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.

Guests travelling beyond Los Angeles will have access to a broad network and benefits through WestJet’s strong relationship with Delta Air Lines.  This includes codeshare flights to 20 major U.S. cities, the ability to earn and redeem WestJet Rewards on both airlines, top tier frequent flyer benefits through the entire journey, and access to Delta’s LAX SkyClub lounge for eligible guests.