Hamilton, Ont. – (June 24, 2010) – It was announced today that some of WestJet winter services at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport will be reduced, effective November 1, 2010. WestJet flights to and from Hamilton International throughout this summer will continue as normal.
The change in winter schedule will affect services to Moncton, Halifax, Winnipeg and Edmonton. Regular services to Calgary, which include 13 scheduled weekly flights, will continue as will WestJet flights to Cancún, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Orlando, Florida. WestJet intends to return in summer 2011.
“Although we are disappointed with this decision, we understand WestJet’s need to manage profitability in this fragile recovering economy,” says Karen Medweth, director of marketing at Hamilton International. “We appreciate WestJet’s on-going use of our airport and expect them to return next summer with the full complement of flights.”
WestJet notes that decisions such as this are made regularly across its entire network to maintain operations as cost effectively as possible.
“This is unfortunate news for the people of Hamilton and we hope they understand and appreciate this was not a decision that was taken lightly,” says John MacLeod, vice president of network and revenue for WestJet. “Based on the performance of the summer schedule this year, it is our intention to return in summer 2011.”
While the economy has changed over recent years, Medweth says the airport is still viable and successful.
“We are in a much stronger position today than even five years ago,” says Medweth. “We continue to believe in the long term value of Hamilton International, are committed to its ongoing passenger and cargo service department and see strong growth potential.”
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport was built in October 1940 and over the years has transformed into a regional transportation hub. In the early 1980’s, local politician John Munro secured a $55-million federal investment to expand and develop the airport’s facilities resulting in the airport being renamed in his honour in 1998. Vancouver Airport Services took over the management and operation of the airport in 1996. The airport now generates a profit at no cost to taxpayers, has increased the airport-related workforce and significantly improved passenger and cargo business. Today, the airport is Canada’s largest intermodal courier/cargo gateway and a growing passenger airport.
For more information visit www.flyhi.ca or contact:
Sheila Calder / Lindsay Marett or Robert Palmer
Peak Communicators Media Relations, WestJet
Phone: 604-689-5559 Phone: 1888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397)
scalder@peakco.com / lmarett@peakco.com ropalmer@westjet.com
I have just been made aware, because I was attempting to book my flight, that Westjet is not flying into Hamilton Airport. I am very disappointed with this decision. I have been flying Westjet into Hamilton for years now and enjoyed this flight. It was very convenient for my family to pick me up etc. The flights I have taken were never empty, whether it was April or October. I am now being forced to take a flight into Toronto, if in fact, I do use Westjet Airlines. I do realize that decisions such as this are made by those who have a much deeper understanding of the business; however, I am still very disappointed in this decision. Thank you.
Cheryl Lays-MacDonnell
Nova Scotia
Hi Cheryl,
We understand your disappointment and frustration in not being able to fly directly to Hamilton International Airport from Nova Scotia. WestJet announced flight reductions earlier this year, effective November 1, 2010. However it is important to note that many of these flights should return for the summer months. If you are planning a summer getaway we hope you check our website and http://www.westjet.com to see if flying directly to Hamilton is an option. Thank you for your comments and hope to see you at hi soon!
Lauren