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SAS and WestJet announce exciting new transatlantic codeshare for 2026

SAS and WestJet announce exciting new transatlantic codeshare for 2026

If you’ve ever planned a transatlantic trip and thought, “Why does this need three tickets, two airlines and a small prayer?” — good news. SAS and WestJet have decided to make life easier.

The two airlines have officially deepened their partnership with an expanded transatlantic codeshare, strengthening travel links between Scandinavia and Canada and smoothing out those long-haul journeys that usually come with unnecessary complexity. Think fewer tickets, fewer baggage dramas, and far less frantic running through airports.

In airline terms, this is what we call a win.

One Ticket, One Bag, Fewer Headaches

The biggest perk of the new agreement? Seamless connections.

SAS passengers can now travel from Scandinavia to more than ten Canadian destinations via Toronto Pearson or SAS’s U.S. gateways — all on one ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination. Yes, even if that final destination involves snow, hockey, or a suspicious amount of maple syrup.

Cities now easier to reach include Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, and several others spread across Canada’s impressively large map.

On the flip side, WestJet passengers get smooth access to SAS’s main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, with onward connections throughout Europe. Suddenly, Nordic city breaks, business trips, and “I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights” plans just became much simpler.

Copenhagen Keeps Its Crown

SAS Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen described the expanded agreement as an important step in bringing Scandinavia and Canada closer together — geographically and operationally. And while that sounds very corporate, the message is clear: Copenhagen remains the beating heart of SAS’s long-haul network.

By reinforcing Copenhagen as its primary intercontinental hub, SAS is doubling down on efficient connections, shorter transfer times, and a smoother overall travel experience. Which, let’s be honest, is exactly what passengers care about once the novelty of airport shopping wears off.

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Punctuality: The Not-So-Secret Weapon

This partnership also comes with a quiet but powerful advantage: reliability.

In 2025 alone, SAS was named the world’s most punctual airline twice and Europe’s most punctual airline four times. That’s not just bragging rights — it’s a serious selling point when you’re promising smooth connections across the Atlantic.

Because codeshares are great, but codeshares that actually run on time? Even better.

For travellers, this means fewer missed connections, fewer panic sprints through terminals, and a much higher chance your carefully planned itinerary stays intact.

Canada Is Looking North (Very North)

According to WestJet Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill, demand from Canadian travellers heading to Northern Europe is on the rise — and this deeper partnership is designed to meet that demand head-on.

Scandinavia’s appeal continues to grow, whether it’s for business, leisure, sustainability-focused travel, or just really good design. With SAS’s strong European network now more accessible, WestJet passengers suddenly have far more options beyond the usual major hubs.

Loyalty Perks Incoming (Yes, Points People, This Is for You)

Frequent flyers, don’t worry — you haven’t been forgotten.

Both airlines confirmed plans to roll out a loyalty partnership, offering reciprocal benefits between SAS EuroBonus and WestJet Rewards. Details are still to come, but expect the usual crowd-pleasers: earning and redeeming points across both airlines, plus extra perks for loyal customers.

In short: fly more, earn more, feel smug about it.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Halifax Joins the Party

The collaboration doesn’t stop here. In May 2026, WestJet will launch a new Halifax–Copenhagen route — and yes, SAS will be codesharing on it.

This new service opens up exciting connections between Atlantic Canada and the Nordic region, creating even more transatlantic options for travellers who prefer something a little different from the usual mega-hub routes.

The Bottom Line

This expanded SAS–WestJet partnership is exactly the kind of airline news travellers like to hear. It’s practical, it’s passenger-focused, and it removes unnecessary friction from long-haul travel.

Fewer tickets. Better connections. More destinations. And a lot less airport stress.

Honestly? That’s a partnership worth applauding.

Discover Airlines Thrilling Summer with 70 Flights to 17 Dream Destinations

Discover Airlines Thrilling Summer with 70 Flights to 17 Dream Destinations

Discover Airlines Thrilling Summer with 70 Flights to 17 Dream Destinations!

Dust off your sunscreen and grab your Mickey ears, because Discover Airlines is about to turn your summer 2025 into an epic escapade! With new long-haul routes sprouting like wildflowers from Frankfurt and Munich, the airline is launching over 70 weekly connections to 17 fantastic destinations. Get ready to stretch those wings and plunge headfirst into a summer of fun!

Orlando: Where Sunshine Meets Magic!

Kicking off this sunny journey is Orlando, the place where dreams come true and the weather feels like a never-ending holiday! Discover Airlines is rolling out three direct flights from Munich to this family-friendly wonderland, making it a breeze to swap snow boots for flip-flops. Whether you’re off to conquer the theme parks or just perfecting your tan by the pool, Orlando has everything you need. And with Disney and Universal just a hop away, who says you have to grow up?

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A Brief Detour in Minneapolis

Next on the itinerary is Minneapolis, Minnesota—the new service from Frankfurt will launch with four flights a week starting May 2025. Sure, the Mall of America has its charms, but can it truly stand up to Orlando’s thrilling rides? We’ll let the food lovers and thrill-seekers hash that one out!

Discover More Amazing Destinations

But hold on, there’s even more! Discover Airlines isn’t just about sunny beaches and theme parks. They’re also opening routes to exotic locations like Windhoek (Namibia) and Calgary (because who doesn’t need a stunning mountain backdrop for their selfies?). Plus, they’re keeping the dream alive with flights to tropical hotspots like Mauritius and Zanzibar in Africa, alongside Caribbean favourites such as Punta Cana and Cancún.

Perfectly Timed for Fun

With optimized departure times on many routes, Discover Airlines is ensuring less waiting and more playtime. Say goodbye to those “Are we there yet?” moments; it’s all about soaking up those vacation vibes!

So slip on your sunglasses, don those flip-flops, and prepare for an unforgettable summer! Discover Airlines is here to whisk you off to Orlando and beyond—because who wouldn’t want to trade their office chair for a theme park thrill? Your summer 2025 adventure is just a flight away!


Highlights:

  • Direct Flights to Orlando: Enjoy three new routes from Munich to the magical city.
  • Minneapolis Connection: Discover the new service with four weekly flights from Frankfurt starting May 2025.
  • Exotic Getaways: Explore new routes to Windhoek and Calgary, alongside existing favourites like Mauritius and Zanzibar.
  • Optimized Departure Times: Less waiting, more fun—maximizing your vacation experience!

Westjet new routes – expansion with flights from Canada to Japan and Europe in 2023

Westjet new routes

Westjet new routes

December 9, 2022, Westjet new routes – WestJet is a Canadian low-cost airline that was founded in 1996 and is based in Calgary, Alberta. WestJet operates scheduled and charter flights to more than 100 destinations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

WestJet is a member of the Star Alliance, and its frequent flyer program, WestJet Rewards, allows passengers to accumulate points that can be redeemed for flight discounts, upgrades, and other rewards.

Airline takes first step in growing overall capacity from YYC by more than 25 per cent in 2023

New intercontinental routes between Calgary and Tokyo, Barcelona, Edinburgh, and
increased frequencies between Calgary and Dublin, London, Paris and Rome significantly enhance options for leisure guests, business travel and cargo services  

Westjet new routes announced

Westjet new routes announced today: as part of its wider growth strategy, announced its 2023 summer 787 Dreamliner routes from YYC Calgary International Airport, unveiling Tokyo, Japan, as its first destination in Asia with new service to Narita International Airport. The airline is also creating greater two-way tourism opportunities and increasing connectivity between Western Canada and Europe with new service between Calgary and Barcelona, Spain and Edinburgh, Scotland along with increased frequencies on existing European routes. Today’s announcement comes as WestJet prepares for broader expansion within Canada and North America over the coming months.

WestJet new routes – Positioned perfectly to connect Western Canada to the world, WestJet’s 787 flying from Calgary will see the airline take flight to eight transoceanic destinations in 2023. With 40 weekly departures strategically scheduled to maximize connecting capacity across 24 Western Canadian communities, the airline will offer more competitive options for its leisure and business guests and cargo customers as it fulfills its new strategic direction.

“This is an exciting day for the WestJet Group, our guests, and partners as we deliver on our new strategy and demonstrate our western focus as we increase our Calgary capacity by more than 25 per cent in 2023. Starting with the expansion of our intercontinental routes, future announcements will focus on domestic and North American additions that will bring even more affordable travel options to our guests in the new year,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “With Calgary as home base to our 787 aircraft, access between western Canadian communities and these intercontinental destinations will play a vital role in creating an economically prosperous aviation pipeline that better connects Canadians to the world and the world to Western Canada.”

Tokyo, JapanAlberta’s Only Non-Stop Gateway to Asia

With its expansive modern architecture, traditional roots, established ties to Alberta’s tourism and business economies and connectivity to more than 50 destinations across the continent, Tokyo is a natural choice for WestJet’s first destination in Asia. With three-time weekly seasonal service beginning, April 30, 2023, WestJet will be the only airline providing transpacific service to Asia direct from Alberta.

“The Government of Alberta congratulates Calgary and WestJet, and believes this is a major announcement for our province. Alberta is opening more to the world. We are excited to see the agreement from October result in billions of new investment come into Calgary, said Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta. “New routes are opening our province to major cities throughout the globe. We look forward to more good news like this in the future and remain committed to growing Alberta’s aviation and tourism sector in the future.”

Details of Westjet new routes’s Service to Tokyo*

Route

Start Date

Frequency

Departure Time

Arrival Time

Calgary – Tokyo
Narita

April 30, 2023

3x Weekly

18:55

20:00

Tokyo Narita –
Calgary

May 1, 2023

3x Weekly

22:00

16:00

* Pending Government Approval

Strengthening Western Canada’s tourism pipeline between Alberta and Europe with more flights and non-stop access to Scotland and Spain

WestJet will bolster its European presence between Calgary and six transatlantic destinations this summer by adding increased frequency on existing popular European routes and welcoming new non-stop service to Edinburgh, Scotland and Barcelona, Spain.

Westjet new routes’s service from Calgary to both Barcelona and Edinburgh will operate seasonally from May to October, up to three-times weekly. With the addition of its newest routes, WestJet will offer service to six European cities, increasing capacity by 95 per cent with flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick, Paris, Rome and Dublin.

“This is a tremendous day for WestJet, our city and for YYC Calgary International Airport. Calgarians will now have more choices when travelling abroad thanks to WestJet’s major investment in flights from our airport. WestJet making Calgary its single global 787 hub and these additional route offerings demonstrates their confidence in the economic future of both Calgary and Alberta. And it reinforces the advantage of YYC Calgary International Airport’s strategic position as a global connections hub,” said Bob Sartor, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority. 

Details of WestJet’s Summer 787 Service to Europe

Route

Start Date

Peak Frequency

Calgary – Barcelona*

May 6, 2023

3x Weekly

Calgary – Edinburgh*

May 17, 2023

3x Weekly

Calgary – London Heathrow

Continued from Winter

7x Weekly

Calgary – London Gatwick

April 30, 2023

7x Weekly

Calgary – Paris

Continued from Winter

7x Weekly

Calgary – Rome

April 6, 2023

5x Weekly

Calgary – Dublin

April 30, 2023

5x Weekly

*New Route from YYC

Additional Quotes:

“Today’s announcement is bigger than new direct flights. It means new jobs. It means a boost to our tourism industry and better links between Calgarians and their families abroad. It means greater access to our incredible city. WestJet’s new routes will play a big role in attracting investment and visitors to Calgary. Congratulations to WestJet and YYC for creating additional ways to connect Calgarians and our economy to the world.”

     –  Jyoti Gondek, Calgary Mayor

 “This is the first time we’ve ever had a direct route between Edinburgh and Calgary, and it is always exciting to see our connectivity expand and bring Scotland closer to major cities around the world. WestJet’s commitment to Edinburgh and Scotland is a show of confidence in our market and demonstrates the huge interest in both Scotland and Canada as tourist destinations as well as important business and trade links. We are prepared for a stampede for tickets and are looking forward to working with WestJet to make this route a success and explore further opportunities if and when they arise.”

     –  Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport

“The launch of a direct service between Edinburgh and Calgary is great news for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. We are investing in this service to make it easier to travel between Scotland and Calgary, as well as other parts of Canada and the West Coast of America, given Calgary’s role as a connecting hub for WestJet. It has the potential to create economic, social and cultural benefits while also enhancing our international connectivity. I also welcome the use of the Boeing 787 on the route, one of WestJet’s latest generation aircraft that will help reduce carbon emissions. I wish WestJet and Edinburgh Airport every success with this new service.” 

     –  The Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth

About WestJet   

In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.  

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.   
Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet  
Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet and twitter.com/WestJetNews 
Follow WestJet on Instagram instagram.com/westjet/  
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet  
Read the WestJet Newsroom at  westjet.com/en-ca/news  

Recent recognition includes:  

2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)   
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)   
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)   
2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)   

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