WestJet To Extend New Dublin Service

Canada’s second largest carrier WestJet is to extend its new summer service between Dublin and St John’s, Newfoundland, for almost three weeks longer than originally planned.

The new WestJet daily service starts on June 15 and was due to run until October 5.

However stronger than expected passenger demand has prompted the company to extend the service until October 25.

The Dublin route, using a narrowbody Boeing 737 aircraft, will be Westjet’s first venture into the European market.

WestJet indicated this week that it may be preparing to take on its rival Air Canada by launching an international service using large widebody aircraft.

The Calgary-based airline said the new service could be in place in the next few years if its board gives the green light.

WestJet has been discussing the move with its pilots and also meeting with potential airplane lessors and manufacturers.

“No decision made yet but we're getting all the pieces in place to be able to make a good decision,” said WestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

He declined to say how many large planes could be added to the company fleet, or which destinations could be served.

However in an apparent reference to the high demand on its new Dublin service, he said: “All of that gives us great confidence that there is strong demand for a value-based international product that WestJet is looking to pursue.”

Mr Saretsky added: “Obviously, we are looking for markets that are burdened by very high airfares and there are lots of those in the international space so there are opportunities across many geographies.”