WestJetting Since ‘96
That flannel permanently tied around your waist? The laptop that could double as a workout weight? We remember those days well. When flip phones were basically magic. When we all thought frosted tips looked pretty cool. When MapQuest was the height of travel technology.
For 30 years, we've been WestJetting.
Our story started in 1996 with three aircraft.
We started with just six routes and one big idea: what if flying could be for everyone? Back when people only flew for really special occasions, we had a simple thought: what if more Canadians could just... go places? What if a weekend in Vancouver or a spontaneous trip to visit family wasn’t just a dream?
Fast forward three decades (and a few fashion trends), and we've added a few more pins on the map –connecting you to 130+ destinations across four continents. Our fleet's grown from three to 190+, and we've grown from connecting Western Canada to connecting you with the world.
Our people have always been at the heart of our story.
We made flying more affordable across Canada, and we're incredibly proud of that. But our greatest innovation has always been our people. Back in ‘96, we had just over 200 WestJetters. Today, we're 15,000+ strong, but here's the thing that hasn't changed: we still believe in caring from the heart. Rising to the challenge. Working together to win. Those weren't just nice words we put on a poster – they are in WestJet’s DNA.
Millions of stories have started right in this seat.
22.6 million guests started their travel stories right in this seat in 2025 alone. Lots has changed since '96. The in-flight entertainment is better, and you don't have to choose just 12 CDs for your entire trip. But that feeling when you buckle in and know your adventure's about to begin? That's been the same since day one.
We can't wait to help you write your next chapter.
Our history
Since our first flight in 1996, we have strived to enrich the lives of everyone in WestJet’s world by providing safe, friendly and affordable air travel.