Mr. Ed Sims reports

WESTJET ADDS DENVER/CALGARY TO GROWING NETWORK

WestJet Airlines Ltd. will begin serving Denver International Airport (DEN) daily from Calgary International Airport (YYC) starting March 8, 2018.

"Calgarians have enjoyed WestJet's low fares and great guest experience since our inception, and we are proud to bring our trusted brand to the mile-high city, Denver," said Ed Sims, WestJet's executive vice-president, commercial. "With its sophisticated business economy and stunning mountain scenery, Denver is a natural for the WestJet network. Connecting through Calgary will also allow Denver's business and leisure travellers year-round access to the broader Canadian WestJet network."

Canada ranks as Colorado's largest trading partner, accounting for nearly $1.4-billion in exports in 2016. In addition, Canada ranks as the second-largest foreign investor in Colorado; only the United Kingdom has more corporate presence.

"We welcome WestJet's investment in our market, which further strengthens Denver's global brand," said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. "This new service will continue to boost our economy, with an estimated state-wide economic impact of nearly $19-million annually and the creation of more than 150 new jobs."

Calgary ranks as Denver's third-largest market in Canada with nearly 150 people travelling between the two cities each day. Over all, Canada ranks as Denver's second-largest international market in terms of demand, accounting for 12 per cent of total international travel.

"WestJet is an airline we have long courted, and we are pleased the carrier has chosen Denver as its newest transborder destination," said Kim Day, chief executive officer of Denver International Airport. "Not only are Denver and Calgary similar cities in terms of size and geography, but Denver International Airport and WestJet share similar values in terms of a strong commitment to customer service and a focus on innovation."

"This announcement of non-stop service to Denver, Calgary's sister city, is a welcome addition to the 56 destinations that WestJet currently serves out of YYC," said Bob Sartor, president and chief executive officer for the Calgary Airport Authority. "With several new destinations added and increases in frequencies this year, we know that WestJet is committed to growing their extensive route network out of YYC, benefiting Albertans looking to access top destinations around the world."

"Canada values its relationships with Colorado -- both cultural and economic -- very deeply, and Denver International Airport is the gateway that helps us keep those connections strong," said Stephane Lessard, consul general of Canada in Denver. "As this state's No. 1 international trading partner, it makes sense that the list of great Canadian companies with investments in this state continues to grow as we now welcome WestJet to Mile High."

Details of WestJet's new non-stop service to Denver, Colo., are shown in the attached table.

Route               Frequency        Departing         Arriving             Effective

Calgary to Denver       Daily        10:10 a.m.       12:26 p.m.        March 8, 2018
Denver to Calgary       Daily         1:15 p.m.        3:46 p.m.        March 8, 2018

Introductory fares are shown in the attached table.

Departing   Arriving   Base fare     Air transportation     Taxes, fees    Total one-way
                            from           charges (ATC)    and charges       price from*
 
Calgary       Denver      $58.00                  $0.00          $90.77       CAD$148.77*

* Book by Aug. 21, 2017 (11:59 p.m. MT). Some restrictions apply. 

Overall, WestJet's guests in Calgary have a total of 57 different WestJet destinations, including 17 U.S. destinations to choose from, more than any other airline flying out of Calgary International Airport. By 2018, WestJet will have increased capacity out of YYC by 48 per cent over the last 10 years and will account for 53 per cent of the seat capacity out of the city.

About WestJet Airlines Ltd.

Together with its regional airline, WestJet Encore, WestJet Airlines offers scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through its airline partnerships.