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Alberta’s ongoing oil slump has forced WestJet Airlines Ltd. to cancel nearly a dozen daily flights out of the province’s two largest airports, primarily to western energy hubs.
The Calgary-based carrier announced its summer schedule Monday, that will see six fewer daily flights from Calgary’s airport terminal and five fewer from Edmonton.
WestJet’s Richard Bartrem said the alterations, slated to take effect March 5, really are a reflection from the changing needs of passengers in a province mired inside a massive slump in oil prices, and primarily impacts flights to energy hubs.
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“We’re seeing less interest in travel to and from energy markets,” he said.
“But it’s not suggested that these are on a permanent basis.
“It’s a serious decision for all of us.”
By March 5, the airline will slash one of its 11 daily flights between Calgary and Edmonton, while Calgary will even see its direct flights to Terrace and Prince George, B.C. suspended.
There may also be reduced plan to Fort McMurray, Penticton, B.C. and Brandon, MB., Bartrem said.
In Edmonton, its connections to Kamloops and Nanaimo, B.C. will be turfed along with reduced plan to Grande Prairie and Calgary.
As flights from once booming western markets wane, WestJet is improving its offerings in Eastern Canada.
The carrier has added more flights out of Toronto between Ottawa, Montreal and Fredericton, in addition to between Ottawa and Halifax.
It’s were built with a dramatic impact
Bartrem said the tumbling Canadian dollar has also been an issue in its decision making.
“It’s had a dramatic impact,” he said.
“We are definitely seeing an upside within the price of fuel, like anyone else.
“But we also pay flight leasing and airport fees in U.S. dollars.”
Meanwhile, as WestJet adjusts its agenda for business travel, the slumping dollar has additionally seen leisure travelers alter their destinations.
“We’re seeing some movement away from U.S. destinations and we’re seeing more movement into all-inclusive markets – destinations like Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica are all around the upturn,” he explained.
“The demand still seems pretty strong for vacation destinations.”
Bartrem said WestJet tinkers using its flight schedules twice each year, and can announce its winter routes in October.
By summer, WestJet and it is discount carrier Encore will operate some 4,590 flights per week to 101 destinations – 38 in Canada, 27 within the U.S., 33 in the Caribbean and Mexico and three in Europe.
