On Saturday, March 2, the first WestJet flight connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Dublin International Airport (DUB) touched down in Ireland. The flight is a new daily service between the two countries, but this summer will mark the tenth anniversary of WestJet’s first transatlantic service into Europe. With this milestone, WestJet also revealed that it was beginning several new services to Europe this upcoming summer.
First flight from Toronto to Dublin
The first daily service between YYZ and DUB touched down in Ireland at 10:30 local time. Flight WS-34 is a daily operation that departs Toronto at 22:45 local time and has a scheduled arrival of 10:55 the following morning. The service on March 2 lasted six hours and fifteen minutes and arrived 25 minutes early.
The WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill, spoke about the inaugural route. He stated,
“Service between Toronto and Dublin continues to be an important part of WestJet’s story, and we celebrate a decade of service that has strengthened ties between our two countries. The return of daily seasonal service between Toronto and Dublin gives Canadians the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality of Ireland with the convenience and affordability WestJet is known for.”
WS-34 is operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which carries 174 passengers in two separate classes. The premium class holds 12 passengers in reclining seats, and the economy class holds 162 passengers in standard seats.
Other new services to Europe
Beyond the service between Toronto and Dublin, WestJet is beginning several other transatlantic routes this summer. The Calgary, Canada-based airline has announced connections between Halifax and Dublin, Edinburgh and London, and St. John’s and London Gatwick.
WestJet also announced a new service to London Gatwick International Airport (LGW) from Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). The new service is operating four times per week from April 29 through October 26. The flights are set to operate as follows:
Departs Halifax at 23:00 and arrives in London Gatwick at 09:00
Departs London Gatwick at 11:00 and arrives in Halifax at 13:46
The airline will also operate another thrice weekly service to Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) from Halifax, which will run from June 20 to October 13. The flights are scheduled to operate as follows:
Departs Halifax at 22:40 and arrives in Edinburgh at 08:15
Departs Edinburgh at 09:35 and arrives in Halifax at 11:41
WestJet also revealed a new service connecting Toronto Pearson to Edinburgh scheduled to begin on May 14 and run until October 13. Flights will operate on the following schedule
Departs Toronto at 22:10 and arrives in Edinburgh at 10:00
Departs Edinburgh at 11:20 and arrives in Toronto at 13:54