West Jet Encore hopes to "liberate" Canadians from the high cost of air travel

West Jet has yet to announce the destinations for the debut of their "Encore" service, but when they do, it's anticipated that consumers will be the biggest of winners with added service to under served communities and lower airfares that could spur on some long desired competition.

In a speech in Montreal last week, West Jet's Chief Executive, Gregg Saretsky suggested that airfares at half the cost of the current charge could be in the future for communities that make the Encore cut.

As we outlined on the blog back in October, Prince Rupert was among a number of Western Canadian communities that lobbied the airline to set up shop in the community, Terrace as well sent a delegation to Calgary to meet with West Jet official in a hope to bring the airline to the Northwest.

Prince Rupert is currently served by Air Canada Express and Hawkair, both airlines fly out of the Digby Island Airport. The prospect of more flights and lower charges, will be a welcome part of the travel agenda for Northwest residents and would be a major boost to the airport(s) that host the West Jet's northwest flights.

West Jet is taking the approach of growing markets rather than engaging in a price war with the competition, citing the service that they set up in Comox BC as an example, where upon the introduction of West Jet service, travel to the Central part of Vancouver Island has increased significantly.

It's a process that the airline hopes to replicate in communities across the country.

The airline recently introduced Ferio Pugliese as West Jet Encore's President, he joined West Jet in 2007 and has been heavily involved in the run up to the launch of the new airline next year.

When they take to the air in the second quarter of 2013, West Jet Encore will be based out of Calgary and use Q400 turbojets as the only airplane in the fleet, once up and running at full strength, it's anticipated that West Jet Encore will employ about 1,800 workers.

The West Jet Encore destination board is expected to be revealed on January 21st, 2013.

Some reviews of the West Jet blue print can be found below.

Montreal Gazette-- West Jet's new regional carrier will drive airfares down, CEO Saretsky says
National Post-- WestJet's new regional carrier Encore aims for mid-June takeoff
Vancouver Sun-- WestJet keeps Encore at home
CBC-- WestJet regional carrier will lower airfares, CEO says

West Jet announces name of regional airline, but no destinations just yet

They have a name, but West Jet is keeping close to its vest any announcements of destinations for their newly created regional airline.

The name of the new airline as outlined in a Media Release from Thursday will be West Jet Encore, selected after a vote by West Jet employees. The popular favourite of the 842 submissions provided to West Jet management since the company announced the prospect of a new regional airline.

West Jet plans on using the Bombardier Q400 turboprop as part of the new airline, an initial order of 20 planes has been placed with Bombardier, with an anticipation of service to start up in the last half of 2013.

The lobbying has been fierce over the last few months, as communities across Canada seek to lure the regional offering from West Jet to their home town.

Some of those communities have been courting West Jet harder than others, Nanaimo used an extensive social media campaign to get their location fixed on the West Jet radar, Brandon Manitoba residents put their computers to work collecting over 10,000 signatures on an online petition for the airline. While Penticton changed its name for one day, calling itself "WestJetville" to show its interest.

Locally, both Prince Rupert and Terrace airport officials made presentations to West Jet seeking to have  the northwest added to the West Jet Encore flight itinerary, each community hopeful that it can lay claim to the West Jet brand in the Northwest.

WestJet eyes Terrace for Northwest entry point
WestJet considers expansion plans

It's anticipated that early next year West Jet  will announce the successful applicants for the first wave of West Jet Encore destinations.


The Vancouver Sun-- WestJet's new regional airline named Encore
CBC-- WestJet Encore name of new regional service
Globe and Mail-- WestJet names its new regional service WestJet Encore
CTV News-- WestJet names new regional service WestJet Encore

A full review of air transportation in the Northwest can be found on our archive page

West Jet considers expansion plans

The next few months could determine if Prince Rupert gains more competition in the airline industry as West Jet continues on with its plans to develop a regional airline service.

Prince Rupert was first mentioned as a possible destination last year when West Jet first floated the idea of a service to stream traffic to its fleet of 737's to larger markets, Monday provided a bit more background on the airlines plans and the timeline they are looking at.

Vancouver Sun-- West Jet eyes starting new regional airline
Canadian Business-- West Jet considering launching short haul regional airline as early as 2013
National Post-- West Jet considers launching short haul airline
Globe and Mail-- West Jet plan a new threat to Air Canada