Amidst great fanfare and esteemed partners and guests, The WestJet Group launched its first flight to Seoul from its global hub in Calgary, establishing a direct link between Alberta and South Korea. The departure of WestJet flight 86 underscores the airline's commitment to expanding its 787 global hub at YYC Calgary International Airport, fostering greater ties between Alberta's vibrant visitor economy and Asia's robust business and tourism landscape.

WestJet service to Seoul will operate on the airline's 787 Dreamliner three times per week through October 27, 2024, and will return in Spring 2025.

The Alberta-South Korea connection

• Canada and South Korea share strong people to-people linkages stemming from historical connections, which are enhanced by increasing immigration and tourism flows, as well as business visitors. South Korea is one of Canada's top source countries of international students.
• Alberta also has strong trade ties with many countries in the Indo-Pacific regions, which, together, represent Alberta's second largest and most diverse export market. 
  • With three weekly flights and 60 tonnes of cargo capacity into and out of South Korea, WestJet reaffirms its commitment to bolstering ties and delivering efficient and dependable cargo solutions.
• South Korea is Canada's seventh largest trading partner and sixth largest import and export partner.
  • WestJet's direct connection to ICN supports trade opportunities, streamlining Canadian exports and facilitating the importation of electronics, e-commerce goods and general cargo.

Guests will also have access to six additional cities across four Asian countries from Incheon International Airport (ICN) through WestJet's codeshare agreement with Korean Airlines. Through the agreement, guests will have more opportunity to explore unique transpacific Asian destinations beyond Seoul with a seamless single connection at ICN and the convenience of booking their entire journey with one ticket, baggage transfers, and earning WestJet Dollars throughout.

WestJet's non-stop flight to Seoul is one of many transoceanic service offerings available this summer. Guests travelling out of WestJet's hub in Calgary can also connect to Tokyo and seven European destinations as part of the airline's robust international offerings. Earlier this month, WestJet also revealed plans to transition its seasonal service between Calgary and Tokyo to a yearly cadence, further establishing ties in Asia.