WestJet leases Boeing 757-200 to provide additional non-stop service from Alberta to Hawaii

Increased capacity on only daytime non-stop flights between Alberta and Hawaii

CALGARY, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced its intention to operate a leased Boeing 757-200 to provide non-stop service between Calgary and Honolulu and Maui, and between Edmonton and Maui, subject to Canadian government approval. The service will operate from February 12, 2011, to April 30, 2011.

"This is great news for Albertans," said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Planning. "This temporary lease will allow WestJet to provide additional capacity for guests travelling from Alberta to Hawaii. With this leased aircraft, we'll be able to seat 193 guests, an increase from using our own 737-700s. So, now even more guests will have access to the only daytime schedule in both directions on convenient non-stop flights to Maui and Honolulu."

WestJet is leasing the Boeing 757-200 from North American Airlines, a world-renowned charter air service provider located in Jamaica, N.Y.. North American, a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings Inc., has been in business since 1989, providing charter service to groups including the military, tour operators and sports teams. It was the charter provider for U.S. President Barack Obama's presidential election campaign. North American Airlines is providing pilots and flight attendants to operate the aircraft as well as aircraft maintenance engineers for ongoing servicing and maintenance.

A WestJet service ambassador will be on board each 757-200 flight to ensure that the WestJet guest experience is consistently delivered to the airline's standards and expectations.

"This announcement demonstrates our flexibility as an airline as well as our ability to maintain our competitive edge in this market," continued Hugh Dunleavy. "While the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft is ideal for WestJet, there are select situations where a longer-range aircraft is more ideally suited. We believe that providing our guests with additional non-stop Alberta-to-Hawaii service is beneficial to our guests and our airline."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 70-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 91 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 44 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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SOURCE WestJet

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