Canadian carrier WestJet has big plans for its upcoming winter schedule. As Simple Flying explored earlier, Canada's second-largest airline is placing a particular emphasis on winter sun destinations. However, it is also looking to bolster regional connectivity, with St John's International Airport (YYT) being a key beneficiary.

Keeping St John's connected 

Located on the eastern tip of Canada, the remote location of St John's International Airport could render it easily forgotten. However, WestJet is committed to regional connectivity and has reaffirmed this with the launch of its upcoming winter schedule, which has several exciting developments for the facility. 

On a domestic scale, the winter schedule will see WestJet connect St John's with its hub at Calgary International Airport (YYC) on a year-round basis for the first time ever. These flights will operate twice a week and allow passengers to connect at WestJet's main base. WestJet is currently the only airline serving this route.

Increased winter sun availability

Further afield, WestJet has also brought back direct flights from St John's to winter sun destinations in the US federal state of Florida. Beginning on October 16th, the carrier plans to operate a weekly rotation to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and back, with these flights running until June 24th next year. 

As it happens, Orlando isn't the only Floridian destination that will return to the departure boards in St John's. Indeed, 2024 will see the resumption of WestJet's flights to Tampa International Airport (TPA). These will also operate on a weekly basis, running for just over two months from March 17th to May 26th next year.

Times and aircraft types 

A quick look at WestJet's booking website shows that the flights from St John's to Calgary will be operated by Boeing 737-700s, with a scheduled duration of six hours and 38 minutes. Meanwhile, the flights to Orlando will see service from the larger 737-800 model, with a planned block time of five hours and 17 minutes. This is also the case for Tampa, whose flights are timed for five hours and 38 minutes.

Data from aeroLOPA shows that both of these aircraft types have 12-seat business class cabins, with these situated in front of economy class sections consisting of 120 and 162 seats, respectively. Needless to say, with these flights all being more than five hours long, the added comfort of the business class cabin, which only has four seats per row rather than economy's six, will be a welcome prospect.