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| C-FWSK Boeing 737-700 Westjet |
This morning C-FWSK Boeing 737-7CT/W construction 36420 WestJet WJA16 touched down at Dublin Airport at 0730 local and returning as WJA17 departing 0916 local, heralding a new era as first carrier to use Boeing 737 on scheduled services across the Atlantic.
The new route is one of the most successful for Westjet as 85 per cent of the 11,000 seats sold in the first 24 hours. Gregg Saretsky CEO of Westjet said “We’re close to 90% full. At the rate this is going we might have to make it year-round”.
Dublin Airport Authority CEO Kevin Toland said “We are delighted to welcome WestJet’s first direct flight from St. John’s Newfoundland to Dublin. This is WestJet’s first transatlantic service so we’re welcoming them to Europe as well as to Ireland.
Ireland and Newfoundland have a strong historical connection and I have no doubt that this new route will be very popular on both sides of the Atlantic for business and leisure passengers. We wish WestJet every success with its new service and we will continue to work closely with them to promote this new route in every way that we can.”
St. John’s International Airport Authority Keith Collins said “We are delighted with the overwhelming success of this new service to Dublin that clearly demonstrates the significant demand that exists for travel between our province and Ireland. This improved accessibility between the two regions will strengthen both personal and business relations, and will expose new opportunities for trade on both sides of the Atlantic.”
WestJet CEO & President Gregg Saretsky said “This is an historic moment in the history of WestJet. Starting from humble beginnings as a regional low-cost carrier with just five destinations in Western Canada, we have built a safe and successful international airline known for its low fares and people-driven guest experience. As the new kid at Dublin Airport, we look forward to welcoming our new Irish friends on board a WestJet flight very soon!.”
Canada is a very strong market for Dublin Airport and with WestJet’s new route to Newfoundland, and beyond to Toronto there are now four airlines operating between Dublin and Canada this summer.
In response to questions from Avgeeks Westjet Tweeted three Boeing 737-700s will be dedicated to the route after modification for operations across the Atlantic.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 16th June 2014 All Rights Reserved.
