WestJet and Virgin Atlantic Expand Codeshare, Offering Canadian Travelers More International Options

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 12, 2024 03:00 AMNews
Share:
WestJet takes to the skies
WestJet takes to the skies. Source: unsplash

WestJet and Virgin Atlantic have announced an expansion of their codeshare agreement, providing Canadian travelers with access to a wider range of international destinations. This development opens up routes to India, Africa, and the Middle East, enhancing WestJet’s global reach through Virgin Atlantic’s extensive network.

Starting this winter, the expanded codeshare partnership will include several new international destinations, following the agreement signed at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai. John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer of WestJet, and Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, were present to formalize the expansion. Weatherill expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it unlocks new opportunities for Canadian travelers to access Virgin Atlantic's innovative products and services beyond London.

The enhanced agreement will allow WestJet passengers to connect from Calgary to London Heathrow and then onwards to various global destinations. These include New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in India; Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa; Lagos in Nigeria; Dubai; and the Maldives, pending regulatory approval. This marks WestJet’s first agreement to offer connectivity beyond Europe via London Heathrow, significantly boosting its international network.

The codeshare partnership between WestJet and Virgin Atlantic, initiated in 2019, has continually evolved. The current expansion enables single-stop connectivity for WestJet passengers, providing a seamless travel experience with a single itinerary. Future benefits include a reciprocal frequent flyer partnership, allowing passengers to earn and redeem points across both airlines' networks. WestJet guests will be able to book these journeys on a single ticket through the airline’s website and app, ensuring smooth baggage transfers and connections at Heathrow.

Additionally, WestJet has been expanding its fleet and network. It recently launched nonstop flights from Calgary to Reykjavik, Iceland, in partnership with Icelandair, offering over 30 European connections. The airline is also acquiring three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to meet increasing travel demand. WestJet currently operates a fleet of 179 aircraft, including more than 35 737 MAX jets.

This expanded partnership with Virgin Atlantic not only enhances travel options for Canadian passengers but also solidifies WestJet’s position as a key player in international air travel.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM