Airline makes first flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport today

CALGARY, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today launches new non-stop, seasonal service between Toronto and Palm Springs, California. The inaugural flight departs Toronto Pearson International Airport at 10:15 a.m. EST.

"Palm Springs is the 43rd WestJet destination with non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International Airport, as we continue to expand and enhance our award-winning service to and from Canada's largest city," said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Planning. "Now with nearly 70 flights per day in and out of Toronto Pearson, an increase of 70 per cent over the last five years, WestJet is well positioned to continue to grow its market share in central Canada."

WestJet will fly between Toronto and Palm Springs on Wednesdays and Saturdays until April 30, 2011. The outbound flight leaves Toronto at 10:15 a.m. EST and arrives at Palm Springs International Airport at 12:30 p.m. PST. The return flight leaves Palm Springs at 1:15 p.m. and arrives in Toronto at 8:38 p.m.

"We're very pleased to see WestJet continuing to grow their network at Toronto Pearson by adding to the great travel opportunities already available to our guests," said Pamela Griffith-Jones, Chief Marketing and Commercial Development Officer for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "This new route to Palm Springs will be a great addition to their service in Toronto and shows WestJet's ongoing commitment to providing great service to travellers in the GTA."

"We are all very excited to see WestJet continue to grow Canadian air service to Palm Springs International Airport," said Thomas Nolan, Executive Director, Palm Springs International Airport. "This new Toronto service should be a welcome complement to their existing service here because it will be this airport's first direct flight to eastern Canada. Thank you to all of our Canadian visitors and residents for making our wonderful Coachella Valley their destination of choice, and we are anxious and well poised for continued growth in this sector of our market."

One-way fares between Toronto and Palm Springs, available in both directions on non-stop flights only, are available from $199 plus applicable taxes and fees. Fares are available by calling WestJet's Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET (1-888-937-8538), your preferred travel agent or by visiting www.westjet.com.

WestJet Vacations offers customized vacation packages for most of WestJet's scheduled destinations, including packages to Palm Springs starting at $579 plus applicable fees and taxes, for air and four nights accommodation. For more information, call one of our WestJet Vacations experience specialists at 1-877-737-7001 or your preferred travel agent, or visit www.westjetvacations.com.

WestJet's non-stop service from Toronto Pearson also includes many popular sun destinations such as Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Grand Cayman, Miami, Nassau, Punta Cana, Santa Clara, St. Lucia, St. Martin, and Turks and Caicos.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 93 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

About WestJet Vacations

Launched in 2006, WestJet Vacations provides guests with a wide selection of vacation packages to popular vacation destinations in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet's friendly employees, extensive network and solid value proposition, WestJet Vacations offers guests a fun, friendly and caring vacation experience.

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SOURCE WestJet