CALGARY — WestJet’s new service between Halifax and London (Gatwick) has taken wing.

Today’s departure of WS24 marks the start of daily, nonstop service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Gatwick Airport. The route is in operation until Oct. 26, 2018.

This is the first time the airline has used its newest aircraft, the Boeing 737-8 MAX for transatlantic travel.

“WestJet continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation using its fleet of fuel-efficient, guest-friendly Boeing MAX aircraft for transatlantic service,” said Tim Croyle, WestJet Interim Executive Vice-President, Commercial.

He adds: “This service also demonstrates our commitment to support efforts on the part of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada to enhance trade and tourism, and grow the economies of both Canada and the United Kingdom.”

Joyce Carter, President and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, says WestJet continues to demonstrate its commitment to Halifax Stanfield, its community and the airport’s future “as we expand into an airport where travellers can conveniently connect to and from Europe and beyond. We thank WestJet for their leadership in developing new links to European markets from our gateway, and the travelling public for supporting new services.”

Coming up, WestJet will launch its inaugural flight between Halifax and Paris on May 31 on its B737-8 MAX aircraft. The flight will mark the first time WestJet will land on the European mainland.

WestJet serves 18 cities from the Halifax International Airport, up from 12 in 2013, including 12 Canadian, two transborder, one international and this summer will serve Glasgow, London and Paris.

At peak summer schedule, the airline will operate around 25 flights per day or more than 170 flights per week.

Since 2012 WestJet’s traffic from Halifax has grown by more than 160%.