Our new flights to Calgary will connect Edinburgh to places it’s never been connected to before – and you could say we’re expecting a stampede for tickets when they are released.
This new route, which will be operated by WestJet from summer 2023, provides direct access to one of North America’s best-loved places. Calgary as a destination is often referred to among the planet's most liveable cities, and it's recognised as one of Canada's true cultural capitals.
The city is also the Gateway to the Canadian Rockies - a bucket list destination for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors, with remarkable scenery all around. Reason enough to visit, right?
Well, while we see plenty good reason already to fly from Alba to Alberta, this route also offers up fantastic new connectivity opportunities if you’re looking to venture on elsewhere – bringing Scotland one step closer to some of the world’s major cities.
A hub of culture home to lively nightlife, outstanding food and drink, and fantastic shopping, we weren’t surprised to learn Calgary was twice named the most liveable city in North America - an accolade to sit proudly alongside its place as one of the planet’s cleanest cities.
The capital of the province of Alberta, is described as having a ‘Cowboy spirit’ while also being a modern, cosmopolitan city.
When in town don’t miss a visit to the Heritage Park Historical Village which depicts life in Alberta more than 100 years ago while Calgary Tower - a free-standing observation tower – provides some of the best views around (if you’re brave enough stand on the glass floor and check out the streets below from a bird’s eye perspective).
Nestled at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, many people choose to travel onwards to explore the outdoors after spending some time in the city.
Head there for bike tours, scenic walks, and more challenging climbing and trekking routes, all while seeing some amazing wildlife along the way.
The picturesque Lake Louise in Banff National Park has to be seen to be believed, and Jasper National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is another favourite among those who are lucky enough to have visited.
These flights from Alba to Alberta not only provides direct access to the amazing city of Calgary, but provides opportunities to connect to other major cities in Canada, the US and further afield, while also opening up Edinburgh to new visitors.
The three-weekly service will operate from May 17 to October 9, 2023, with flights operating on a 787 Dreamliner.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:
“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.”
Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer, said:
“This is an exciting day for the WestJet Group, our guests, and partners as we deliver on our new strategy and increase our Calgary capacity by more than 25 per cent in 2023.
“With Calgary as home base to our 787 aircraft, access between western Canadian communities and Edinburgh will play a vital role in creating an economically prosperous aviation pipeline that better connects Canadians to Scotland and the world to Western Canada.”
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth said:
“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.”
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