The Prince Edward Island Government, Tourism PEI, and the Charlottetown Airport Authority are pleased to announce that getting to Prince Edward Island by air this summer will be easier than anytime in recent memory, thanks to a new flight offered by WestJet. Beginning June 28, a direct flight will leave Toronto every day at 3:05 p.m., arriving in Charlottetown at 6:01 p.m. At 6:35 p.m., this same plane will depart back to Toronto, and then continue non-stop to its final destination, Vancouver. This new seasonal service is an excellent addition to the range of connections currently available to Islanders and visitors.
“We are very pleased with the decision of WestJet to start service in PEI,” said Premier Pat Binns. “The daily flight will greatly improve access to PEI for business, leisure, and visiting travellers. Having affordable and available air access is key to keeping our economy growing. Working together with the Airport Authority, this new WestJet service is an example of how good partnerships in PEI can benefit all Islanders.”
The Province of PEI has agreed to provide a partial revenue guarantee to WestJet for the summer service to a maximum of $300,000.
Tourism PEI will also add marketing support to create awareness of the new service with full-page advertising in WestJet’s inflight magazine, Internet advertising on travel-related websites in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver, and elevator advertising in Toronto and Calgary. In addition, Tourism PEI will conduct a four-week newspaper advertising campaign in Toronto and Vancouver. “These, and other activities for Tourism marketing support of the new flight have been budgeted at $175,000,” said Minister of Tourism Philip Brown.
“We see this new service as a great opportunity to grow our provincial receipts from air travel,” added Minister of Tourism Philip Brown. “Our department will be working closely with WestJet, to ensure Canadians are strongly encouraged to visit PEI this summer season.”
“WestJet is thrilled to offer new low-fare service for the people of PEI this summer,” said Sean Durfy, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Sales. “Not only will Islanders be able to take advantage of WestJet’s great customer service and comfortable aircraft, but we look forward to bringing many tourists to PEI to experience the province’s countless and varied attractions.”
Beyond non-stop service to Toronto and one-stop service to Vancouver, Islanders will be able to enjoy fast and easy connecting service to destinations throughout WestJet’s North American network.
WestJet is Canada’s leading low-fare airline offering scheduled service throughout its 33-city North American network. Named Canada’s most respected corporation for customer service in 2005, WestJet pioneered low-cost, high-value flying in Canada.
“With today’s announcement, we have taken a giant step forward in providing more domestic air service for travellers,” said Cliff Campbell, Chair of the Charlottetown Airport Authority Board. “Today’s travellers want to fly conveniently, close to home, with quick and convenient connections to their next destination. We are pleased that with this announcement, air traffic to Charlottetown Airport and for the people of PEI will continue to grow.”