New transborder route to enhance business and leisure opportunities across Manitoba while bolstering province’s economic prosperity "WestJet's new service connecting Winnipeg and Atlanta is excellent news for Manitoba and a significant step in strengthening our economic ties with the southeastern United States. I am looking forward to the launch of this flight in September and the opportunity it will bring for residents to travel the world, businesses to grow into new markets, and tourism operators to showcase the beauty of Manitoba," adds Premier Stefanson. Route Start Date Frequency Departure Arrival Winnipeg - Atlanta September 6, 2023 5x weekly 9:00 a.m. 13:09 p.m. Atlanta - Winnipeg September 6, 2023 5x weekly 14:00 p.m. 16:20 p.m. Delta codeshare partnership Guests travelling beyond Atlanta will have access to a broad network and benefits through WestJet’s strong relationship with Delta Air Lines. This includes codeshare flights to over 50 connecting destinations now accessible with only one stop from Winnipeg, the ability to earn and redeem WestJet Rewards on both airlines and top tier frequent flyer benefits through the entire journey. WestJet guests have access to Delta’s broad network on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. WestJet’s service announcement between Winnipeg and Atlanta comes less than a year after the airline announced direct service between Manitoba’s capital and Los Angeles. Since beginning service between Winnipeg to Los Angeles in October 2022, WestJet has seen consistently strong demand for transborder travel. For more details on WestJet’s current Winnipeg schedule, visit https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/flights/direct-flights . Additional Quotes: "This is great news for Winnipeg. Having a direct flight to the busiest airport in the world strengthens our global connectivity and opens up new opportunities for tourism, trade, immigration and economic growth," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Connectivity is integral to our city’s capacity for economic development and this YWG-ATL route is another significant step forward. Economic Development Winnipeg champions strategic initiatives that support Winnipeg’s growth and help our businesses succeed, and we are thankful to our valued partners for sharing our vision. Direct flights to Atlanta will enable important business connections, particularly in agribusiness, advanced manufacturing and creative industries, three of our key industries. I am confident that this flight will usher in economic and cultural opportunities, and as we build stronger connections with our friends in the southern United States, we are excited about the possibilities. We look forward to making the most of this development and to welcoming visitors to our vibrant and dynamic city,” said Dayna Spiring, President & CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg. “Adding more direct international flights to Winnipeg is a key piece to help us reach our target to double tourism spending by 2030. The new Atlanta route provides another direct connection with our largest international market, which makes it even easier for visitors to access the unparalleled fishing we’re known for or to view the northern lights and polar bears in Churchill,” said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “The addition of this route is a significant milestone when it comes to our work in enhancing the connectivity of the community,” said Winnipeg Airports Authority President & CEO Nick Hays. “Manitobans will now have direct access to one of the world’s top ‘megahub’ airports, making it easier to unlock new business opportunities or discover new destinations. We’re proud to see our longstanding partnership with WestJet grow to benefit everyone who lives and works here.” “A big thanks to WestJet and Economic Development Winnipeg for making this happen for Winnipeg. The announcement of a YWG-ATL direct flight will have a profound impact on our ability to bring customers to Price Research Center North from around North America and beyond. Known as the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, we see this announcement as making travel to Winnipeg materially easier for specifying engineers, contractors, architects and owners,” said Gerry Price, Chairman and CEO, Price Industries Limited.