Canada’s Air Transat, WestJet ink transatlantic codeshare

Canadian airlines Air Transat (TS, Montréal Trudeau) and WestJet (WS, Calgary) are to partner on transatlantic flights from early 2022, subject to regulatory approval, the companies announced.

WestJet’s code will be placed on Air Transat flights to select cities in Europe. Likewise, Air Transat’s code will be placed on select WestJet flights in North America to enable both carriers to offer connecting transatlantic itineraries.

Based in Montréal Trudeau, Air Transat also operates transatlantic flights out of Québec and Toronto Pearson while WestJet operates out of Calgary, Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver Int’l, the ch-aviation schedules module shows. WestJet will also add a non-stop B787-9 service from Calgary to London Heathrow in early Spring 2022, signalling confidence in the recovery of business and leisure travel between both destinations, the company announced in a separate statement.

“This agreement is a first milestone in our strategy to grow and strengthen our network through alliances,” commented Transat president and Chief Executive Officer, Annick Guérard, adding it would enhance the carrier’s long-standing presence in the transatlantic market.

The partnership complements WestJet’s strong relationship with leading European airlines, added president and Chief Executive Officer Ed Sims. “Confidence in travel is building and this new transatlantic cooperation will allow WestJet to offer even more destinations to travellers, connecting North America and Europe in new ways, and benefiting guests on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.