Virgin Atlantic to codeshare with Canada’s Westjet

Virgin Atlantic has announced a codeshare partnership with Westjet that will see it sell the Canadian carrier’s flights.

Westjet flies year-round from Gatwick to Calgary and Toronto and from Gatwick to Halifax and Vancouver in the summer season. It then offers domestic and regional connections including Montreal, Quebec, Edmonton and Deer Lake.

Formerly a low-cost carrier, Calgary-based Westjet has rebranded as a full-service airline in recent years. In 2019 it took delivery of three B787-9 Dreamliners featuring business and premium economy cabins and it will open a flagship lounge in Calgary next year.

Westjet already has a joint venture partnership with Delta, which owns 49 per cent of Virgin.

“WestJet welcomes Virgin Atlantic guests on board our flights to and from London, Gatwick and throughout our Canadian network,” said Brian Znotins, Westjet’s head of network planning and alliances.

“Canada is a desirable tourism destination with thriving business centres and vast scenic wilderness. We believe the Virgin Atlantic codeshare, offering seamless connections, one itinerary, and Westjet’s caring onboard experience, will inspire global travellers to choose Canada.”

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin’s head of commercial, commented: “This new partnership will open up a plethora of Canadian destinations to our customers and offer more choice for those looking to fly directly to Canada.

“Customers will have the security and ease of booking through a codeshare and we are sure our customers will enjoy flying with Westjet.”

Virgin Atlantic will put its code on the following services from Thursday November 21:

virginatlantic.com, westjet.com