British Airways to Codeshare on WestJet Flights

WestJet has entered into a codeshare agreement with British Airways, enabling British Airways to market and sell WestJet-operated flights.

From September 24, British Airways is placing its ‘BA’ flight code on select WestJet flights connecting from Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto to Ottawa in Ontario, Edmonton in Alberta, and Victoria in British Columbia. Bookings can be made through British Airways or through travel agencies.

British Airways has remained one of the largest operators of the passenger version of the Boeing 747-400, keeping the type in service long after many airlines have dropped it from their long-haul fleets

“With an extensive worldwide network, and a reputation for great customer service, British Airways is one of the world’s most iconic airlines,” says Bob Cummings, WestJet’s executive vice-president, sales, marketing and guest experience. “We look forward to welcoming British Airways’ code-share guests on board our WestJet flights.”

“Our partnership with WestJet is great news for our customers. It will enable easier travel from Canada’s gateway cities to destinations that have been more difficult to access from the U.K.,” remarks Lynne Embleton, British Airways’ director of strategy and business units.

This is WestJet’s eighth codeshare agreement. Since September 2011, WestJet has initiated codeshare deals with American Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, KLM and Korean Air.

Additionally, WestJet has 20 interline relationships, further connecting worldwide passenger flows to WestJet’s network. WestJet and British Airways previously announced an interline agreement in October 2010.

“The launch of this new codeshare represents another strategically significant milestone for WestJet,” adds Cummings. “We remain committed to bringing top-quality airlines on board as part of our airline partnership strategy. The success of this strategy has contributed to the strong results we’ve seen so far this year.”