WestJet's Dreamliner takes first transatlantic flight

WestJet officially launched its new Dreamliner featuring its new long-haul Business cabin seats between Calgary and London, Gatwick with the departure of WS1. 

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The sold-out flight, expected to land in Gatwick at 11:00 a.m. local time, was a first for WestJet's new 787-9 Dreamliner. The return flight, WS2 departs London at 1 p.m. local time on Monday.

"Today is a fantastic day for WestJet as we take this important step in our journey to become a full-service global network airline," said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet chief commercial officer. "The London market has quickly become an important one for us with service from six cities across Canada. It is no accident that the first transatlantic flight on the Dreamliner is to our largest international market, from our largest hub and home in Calgary."

WestJet's first Dreamliner

Tail 901, WestJet's first Dreamliner, named Clive Beddoe, also carried the founder and chairman himself.

"Today is an emotional experience that I am delighted to share with my family, 320 WestJet guests and our fantastic flight crew," said Clive Beddoe. "We are pleased to see significant demand for our business and premium cabins as we provide travellers with conveniently-timed flights along with our signature brand of Canadian care."

On May 17, WestJet will launch its inaugural direct Dreamliner flight between Calgary to Paris with its final transatlantic flight between Calgary and Dublin on June 1.

WestJet's Dreamliners carry 320 guests in a three-class cabin configuration including the airline's newly revealed Business cabin featuring 16 private pods with lie-flat seats, an upscale Premium cabin and an updated Economy cabin.

WestJet is Calgary's largest airline, and by June 2019, will offer flights to 68 non-stop destinations with over 1,000 flights per week from YYC. More Calgarians choose WestJet for their air travel than any other airline.

Details of WestJet's new non-stop service:

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