WestJet Announces Seoul Flights With Boeing 787

WestJet has announced plans to serve Seoul in South Korea with its Boeing 787 from Calgary in 2024.

Behind The New Service To Seoul

Incheon International Airport (ICN) will welcome WestJet’s Boeing 787 on a thrice-weekly service starting May 17, 2024.

WestJet says departure from Calgary will occur at 1755, with arrival at 2045 +1. Departure from Seoul will occur at 2245, arriving in Calgary at 1815. All these times are relevant to their respective regions.

Despite the announcement, WestJet is careful to say that these schedules are still subject to change. This follows the ongoing process of obtaining approval from not just the Canadian government but also that of the South Korean one.

Once approval for the service commencing in 2024 can be obtained, the airline says these flights will be available to book.

Aside from focusing on passenger operations, WestJet says that the direct connection also presents opportunities for its cargo division.

Facilitating connections between businesses and markets across continents is hugely important, and this service will present more efficient and dependable cargo solutions.

Flights From Calgary Continue To Grow

Adding Seoul to the route network from Calgary is part of WestJet’s broader strategy to continue growing international service from the Western part of Canada.

Seoul acts as the next critical piece in the jigsaw puzzle that saw last summer WestJet introduce a service between Calgary and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport.

WestJet intends to substantially strengthen service across the Pacific and provide more options than ever to crucial markets within Asia from Alberta.

Taking delivery of the Boeing 787 has substantially aided the airline in committing to these long-haul routes with suitable levels of capacity offered.

Per data, WestJet currently has 128 aircraft to its name. However, of this, there are a total of 7 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in-service, averaging an age of 3.9 years.

Comments From Executives

It is with great pleasure that WestJet will serve as Alberta’s only direct link to South Korea, furthering our 787 global connectivity from our home city of Calgary. Beyond creating greater two-way tourism opportunities, WestJet service between Seoul and Calgary will increase connectivity between Western Canada and Asia generating unique business and cargo opportunities. We saw tremendous success with the launch of service to Asia last summer and anticipate our entry into Seoul will be warmly welcomed by Canadians.

John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

As a Hub for connecting travellers to people and places around the world we are excited to welcome WestJet’s new route between YYC and South Korea’s Incheon International Airport. The expansion provides additional opportunities for guests to explore the sites and experiences offered by these two incredible regions and illustrates YYC’s strength as an international gateway.

Chris Dinsdale, CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority.