EDMONTON — Apart from Calgary, Edmonton is the most connected city in WestJet’s network and continues to grow.

That’s the word from WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech, who spoke to the airline’s plans for Alberta’s capital city at his first annual address to business and community leaders at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

“As the capital city of our home province, we are unwaveringly committed to maintaining and growing our title as Edmonton’s leading air carrier, as exhibited by our growing network and track record of fueling Edmonton’s economic pipeline through inbound tourism and investment attraction,” said von Hoensbroech. “The Edmonton community is at the heart of our ambitious growth strategy as we strive to further cement the city’s well-deserved position on the global stage, making it one of the most connected cities of its size in North America.”

Through collaboration and strategic network planning, von Hoensbroech said WestJet has answered the call for an expanded transborder network out of Edmonton.

WestJet has increased its capacity growth in Edmonton this summer by 13% since 2022 and has aggressive growth plans to build upon this momentum. WestJet is the number one carrier in the region, providing 50% of all air travel from Edmonton International Airport.

This year, WestJet will provide direct connectivity to 40 unique destinations including 20 domestic, 12 transborder and eight sun destinations out of Edmonton.

Fulfilling long-standing requests of Edmonton’s business community, WestJet recently announced year-round, nonstop services between Edmonton and Ottawa and Montreal, featuring well-timed and frequent flights. Plus, this summer, WestJet will serve four direct routes between Edmonton and Atlantic Canada, providing the most coast-to-coast connectivity in history, for the region.

Von Hoensbroech also noted that since opening a WestJet base in Edmonton, employment has more than doubled compared to 2019, providing a direct and indirect impact on the local economy.