Canadian airline WestJet announced it’s adding direct service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Edmonton, Alberta this summer.
The company will offer five flights a week.
“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet to Minnesota and are pleased to add an important business route to Edmonton from MSP,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP in a press release. “WestJet’s arrival also opens up new connections for travelers across Western Canada and the United States leveraging their codeshare with Delta Air Lines, MSP’s largest carrier.”
Canadian Consul General in Minneapolis Ariel Delouya said it’s a perfect opportunity for business partners in both Western Canada and the Twin Cities.
“Minnesota sells more goods and services to Canada than it does to its next largest three markets combined,” said Delouya on Monday. “That’s China, Japan, and Mexico.”
He said of the $19 billion in business annually between Minnesota and Canada, most of it–60%--is in energy. Edmonton and Calgary are hubs for Canada’s energy industry, he said.
“Anything that strengthens the direct air connections between this part of the country and key parts of Canada and Canada’s economy is a win-win for both countries and both regions,” he said.
The flights will begin in June.