WestJet is expanding its transatlantic route map once again with the launch of flights between Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ) and Amsterdam (AMS).
The new flight is set to launch on May 29, 2025 and will operate up to 6x weekly during the summer season using Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft. WestJet operates four different MAX-8 variants but only one is equipped with premium, First Class style, recliner seats. I assume this is what they will utilize on the route. This layout has 12 Premium, 24 Extended Comfort, and 138 Economy seats.
Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs at WestJet, said this about the new route:
“WestJet’s new service between Halifax and Amsterdam opens the door for record growth in Nova Scotia through vital investment that strengthens connectivity to Europe, furthering tourism and economic opportunities. We’re excited to see the stories that will unfold as travelers from both regions connect and discover the unique charm of these vibrant cities.”
One of the neat things about this route is the fact that passengers will have connectivity beyond Amsterdam thanks to a partnership with KLM. WestJet will codeshare on KLM operated flights throughout Europe which will allow for seamless connectivity for passengers. The Halifax-Amsterdam route will be WestJet’s only direct flight between Canada and the Netherlands.
As part of the announcement, Patricia Vitalis, Executive Director of Operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, said this:
“We are very pleased that WestJet will be resuming service at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and we look forward to welcoming the first flight on 30 May. Halifax is an exciting new destination at Schiphol and will be our sixth in Canada. The deployment of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft contributes to our policy to encourage airlines to operate their quietest and cleanest aircraft at Schiphol.”
WestJet is building quite a large transatlantic network at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) with Amsterdam joining Paris, London, Dublin, and Edinburgh on the airline’s route map.
The airport itself sees a surprising amount of transatlantic service from Air Canada, Discover Airlines, and Edelweiss in addition to WestJet. Not surprisingly, the majority of this service is summer seasonal only. However, am I the only one surprised at the amount of transatlantic service for a regional municipality with fewer than 500,000 residents?
Summary
WestJet is launching flights between Halifax and Amsterdam this summer. This will be the only flight the Calgary based carrier will operate between Canada and the Netherlands. Thanks to a codeshare agreement with KLM, passengers will be able to easily connect onwards to multiple destinations in Europe.
(Images courtesy WestJet)
