WestJet launches new service to Varadero

Airline makes inaugural flight between Toronto and Varadero today

CALGARY, Nov. 1 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced the launch of new, seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and Varadero, Cuba. The inaugural flight departs Toronto's Pearson International Airport at 10:00 a.m. ET today.

"With a lively nightlife, stunning beaches and friendly locals, Varadero is a great getaway in itself," said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Strategy and Planning. "However, as a starting point for visiting colourful Havana, it's a really popular winter destination for Canadian travellers. We can't wait to take WestJet guests to this exciting and culture-rich part of Cuba."

WestJet will fly between Toronto and Varadero three times per week, each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, as a seasonal charter operated by WestJet Vacations, until April 29, 2010.

Following are the schedule details of WestJet's new service.

From November 1, 2009 to April 29, 2010:

    Toronto - Varadero (three times weekly until April 29, 2010)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Flight                               Departure                   Arrival
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From Toronto - WS5010                10:00 a.m.                 1:30 p.m.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From Varadero - WS5011                2:30 p.m.                 5:54 p.m.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

WestJet Vacations offers customized vacation packages for most of WestJet's scheduled destinations, including packages to Varadero starting at $589, plus applicable fees and taxes, for air and seven nights, all-inclusive. For more information, call one of our WestJet Vacations Experience Specialists at 1-877-737-7001, your preferred travel agent or visit westjetvacations.com.

WestJet flies non-stop from Toronto to some of the most beautiful sun destinations anywhere, including Cancun, Barbados, St. Lucia, Montego Bay, Nassau, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa. As part of its 2009-2010 winter schedule, WestJet is also adding non-stop service from Toronto to Holguin, Cayo Coco, Cozumel, Miami, Freeport, Turks and Caicos, and St. Maarten. One-way fares for Bahamas destinations start at $99, for Mexico at $129 and for the rest of the Caribbean at $145, plus applicable fees and taxes.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 66-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, 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 81 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 54 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

    Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet
    Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet

For further information: Media Contact: Robert Palmer, Media Relations, telephone: 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), e-mail: ropalmer@westjet.com