Historic partnership between the WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta sets foundation for future of aviation growth across province WestJet Group designates Calgary as its exclusive global connecting hub, and will concentrate all 787 Dreamliner intercontinental flying to YYC Calgary International Airport Partnership to make Alberta the most cost-competitive aviation market in Canada, promote the province to the world, drive sustainability, enhance post-secondary programs, and improve skilled labour supply for the aviation sector WestJet Group to double its capacity in YYC before end of decade The WestJet Group and the Government of Alberta today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership, focused on significantly advancing aviation across the province in support of a stronger economy and a long-lasting, sustainable future for Alberta’s aviation sector. As the airline furthers its growth strategy, WestJet will invest aircraft capacity, with an asset value in excess of seven billion dollars, in Calgary alone, through significant fleet commitments to be based within the province. “Today is a proud day for our organization as we continue to strengthen our home province with four distinct advantages: affordability, sustainability, infrastructure and people,” continued von Hoensbroech. “This agreement is a testament to WestJet’s commitment to our global hub airport in Calgary, as investments like this can only occur under the right commercial and operational environments. YYC Calgary International Airport is providing us that confidence and with these investments, Calgary can become North America’s most connected mid-sized city.” Partnership highlights: Affordability Provide Travel Alberta with additional funding in support of travel and tourism efforts Work to address the challenges associated with high aviation fuel prices for air passengers and industry Advance Alberta’s status as a global aviation hub by enabling more to and from flights and more connecting passengers People Improve access to pilot training with investment and expansion of the Mount Royal University pilot training program Collaboration to ensure pilots are trained in Alberta with the appropriate technology and partnerships Potential development of advanced commercial aviation training programs for aviation-related specialties, including a potential degree program Funding of an annual hiring training grant to ensure support for training and other associated costs Sustainability Commitment to the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity at scale in Alberta as central to economic diversification and reducing carbon emissions from aviation Commitment to assist WestJet in improving its own technology and software in support of a low-carbon future Infrastructure Government of Alberta and the WestJet Group to seek opportunities to enable growth through strategic public and private investments that support aerospace and aviation sector needs Additional Quotes “For more than a quarter century WestJet has been a leader in Canada’s aviation sector and a critical part of our city’s economic growth and diversification. I can’t overstate the importance for companies in Calgary to be able to easily connect to other leading global business centres,” said Calgary Mayor, Jyoti Gondek. “Today is a prime example of effective collaboration between the City and the Province with a leading local company to make a major investment in our economic future and make Calgary a global aviation sector hub.” "It’s an exciting day for YYC and Alberta. WestJet’s decision to make YYC its single global hub demonstrates confidence in the Calgary airport and solidifies a major investment in the region and Alberta," said Bob Sartor, President and CEO, of The Calgary Airport Authority. "We are firmly committed to ensuring our hub carrier and strategic airline partner has the commercial and operational environment it needs to continue growing its business with YYC. We welcome the support for the future investment in the Alberta and Calgary air transportation sector announced today by WestJet and the Government of Alberta.”