Celebrating 25 Years Of Connecting Canadians

The past year has been extremely challenging, and we know the pandemic has had an enormous impact on the airline industry, but there are still successes to celebrate.

The global tourism landscape has shifted dramatically over the last 25 years, with the number of annual Canadian passenger flights increasing nearly four times to 85.4 million in 2019. This is, in large part, a reflection of adding another major carrier to Canadian skies—Alberta-based success story, WestJet. Since its inception in 1996, WestJet has flown more than 300 million guests and made air travel possible for countless Canadians.

Here in Alberta, WestJet’s impact on air access in our province is undeniable.

This month marks the 25th anniversary of WestJet, and while the impact of the pandemic puts a damper on celebrations, it is important for Alberta’s tourism sector to mark such a momentous occasion nonetheless.

“25 years is a very long time in aviation,” Stewart pointed out.

In 2019, the airline was responsible for nearly 35,000 direct, indirect, induced and tourism-related jobs in Alberta, and contributed more than $2.8 billion overall to the province’s GDP.

“As we look to the future, recovery and continued global growth, we will help attract travellers, business, jobs and the ability for Canadians to access a global marketplace. Our investments in Alberta and across Canada are not just about tourism, but about making the entire economy stronger and more competitive,” continued Weatherill.

Congratulations, WestJet, on 25 amazing years of connecting Canadians. We look forward to the day we can welcome visitors from all parts of the world to our province once again.