The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce was pleased to serve as joint host of a roundtable event on Wednesday, October 2 with the City of Medicine Hat and the Medicine Hat Regional Airport along with representatives from WestJet regarding air service between Medicine Hat and Calgary.

The event provided an opportunity for WestJet to outline their plans for the community with the permanent transition to WestJet Encore from WestJet Link. It also allowed for business and community leaders to provide feedback, ask questions, and discuss how these changes will impact the local economy and connectivity.

The primary changes within WestJet’s service shift from Link to Encore between Medicine Hat and Calgary include the introduction of the De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft starting Tuesday, October 1, and an upcoming change in the time of departure set for Sunday, October 27.

The Q400 aircraft, with 78 seats, will replace the 34-seat aircraft currently serving the route. The aircraft is newer, larger and more comfortable, offering an enhanced travel experience.

Starting October 27, the WestJet Encore route will permanently transition to depart Medicine Hat at 7 a.m. and arrive in Calgary at 7:46 a.m. An earlier arrival time in Calgary increases options for connecting flights.

Read more on this upcoming air service change on the City’s website.

Quotes:

“The Medicine Hat Regional Airport values the strong relationships held with primary users and those involved in the delivery of the local air service, operated by WestJet. We appreciate this opportunity to engage directly with WestJet on relevant matters, and to offer a forum between these stakeholders. Together with our partners and valued stakeholders, we will continue advocating for improvements in local air service to meet the needs of residents and the business community.”

– Logan Boyd, Airport Manager, Medicine Hat Regional Airport

“WestJet is thrilled to be in Medicine Hat, a vibrant and growing community, for a successful roundtable discussion on the importance of air service. Today's conversation underscores the essential role reliable air service plays in furthering Medicine Hat’s connectivity and economic development. Having served the community since 2018, we are proud to continue strengthening our partnership with the Municipality of Medicine Hat as their exclusive commercial air carrier. We look forward to deepening our commitment to the region and continuing to serve as a partner in its growth.”

– Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs, WestJet

“The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of air service within our business community, both in commercial and leisure travel opportunities. Since 2012 we have advocated for improved air service and have worked to build partnerships and improvements for both the airlines and travellers within the catchment area knowing that air service plays an important role in business retention and investment attraction. As we increase international connectivity, businesses need greater access to quick, efficient, and cost-effective travel options. We also know we all need to work together to ensure we can maintain air service in our region and grow the demand and global connectivity moving forward.”

– Lisa Dressler, Executive Director, Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce