Airlines WestJet and Air France strengthen partnership

An expanded codeshare partnership has been concluded between the two airlines. Starting this week, guests travelling on WestJet´s service to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) can connect with Air France on codeshare flight to seven cities in France, Italy and Greece.

The cities are Biarritz, Brest, Montpellier in France, Venice, Milan and Rome in Italy and Athens in Greece. In the future, the airlines hope to expand WestJet codesharing flights to additional countries like Germany, Austria and Portugal.

Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning and Alliances said: "WestJet's deepened codeshare relationship with Air France means guests of both airlines will now enjoy more opportunities to travel between the fantastic destinations in Canada and Europe [...] We are thrilled to extend our reach into Europe and provide a seamless travel experience for guests travelling east and west, including reciprocal frequent flyer rewards, one itinerary and bags checked through to destination."

In addition, the enhanced partnership provides better access to Canadian travellers originating from the seven European points. The partnership allows passengers to connect seamlessly between their starting destination and Paris to Canada. Announced in a former codeshare agreement, European passengers can connect to WestJet´s extensive Canadian network through Calgary.

Starting May 17, 2019, WestJet will use the 787-9 on the route between Calgary and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for the first time. Using state-of-the-art aircraft on the route underlines WestJet´s willingness to provide passengers on this route with the best possible service.

Since 2013, Air France and WestJet have been cooperating in the codeshare segment. Four years later in 2017, the airlines offered Air France Flying Blue and WestJet Rewards members the reciprocal ability to redeem and earn rewards.

WestJet is a Canadian low-cost carrier that was founded 23 years ago. Main hubs have been installed at Calgary, Toronto-Pearson and Vancouver. The carrier operates flights to over 100 destinations and furthermore has subsidiary airlines like WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop. The current mainline fleet consists of 121 Next Gen Boeing 737s, four 767s and four 787 Dreamliner. WestJet Encore flies with 47 Dash 8-400 on regional routes, while Swoop serves as an ultra-low-cost carrier with six Boeing 737s.

Air France is the flag-carrier of France and was founded 85 years ago. From its hubs at Paris, the carrier operates flights to more than 200 destinations. The fleet incorporates short-haul aircraft like the Airbus A320 Family and long-haul planes like the A340, A330, A380, 777 or 787. Soon, Air France will receive its first new Airbus A350.