Direct flights between Wales and Canada have officially returned for the first time in nearly two decades after the inaugural WestJet service from Toronto landed at Cardiff Airport.
The first direct flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Cardiff Airport arrived on Friday, marking a major milestone for Welsh aviation and opening up a new transatlantic connection for passengers across South Wales, the South West of England and the Midlands.
The new seasonal route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.
Guests attending the inaugural celebrations included Wales’ Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, alongside Vale of Glamorgan Council Leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis and representatives from Visit Wales.
Passengers arriving from Toronto were welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu performed Welsh songs at the aircraft steps for the WestJet crew and customers. Cupcakes were also handed out to passengers ahead of the first outbound departure to Canada.
Toronto Pearson International Airport also gives Welsh travellers access to onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.
Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said:
“WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.
“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.
“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”
Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said: “Today is a landmark moment for Cardiff Airport and Wales. The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America, it firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales. We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”
Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said: “The launch of service between Cardiff and Toronto is an exciting milestone both for WestJet and the communities the route serves. WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities. Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”
The flight schedule will see departures from Toronto to Cardiff on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with return flights from Cardiff to Toronto operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
