Cathay Pacific and WestJet enters new code-share agreement

Move to expand flight services in HK and Canada a week after code-share service in US.

Cathay Pacific Airways and WestJet on Monday announced they will begin a new code-share arrangement with immediate effect, providing passengers with a wider choice and greater connectivity when travelling between Hong Kong and Canada. Bookings for the code-share are now open for travel from 20 October 2010.

Under the new arrangement, Cathay Pacific’s “CX” code will be placed on WestJet flights between Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and Winnipeg and the Hong Kong carrier’s two Canadian gateways, Toronto and Vancouver, according to a Cathay Pacific report.

WestJet, which pioneered low-cost flying in Canada, currently operates a modern fleet of 90 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft offering scheduled services throughout its 71-city network in North America and the Caribbean. It offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television on all its flights.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler said: “We are very pleased to announce this new code-share arrangement with WestJet, just one week after announcing another code-share service extending our reach in the United States. This latest partnership will further expand our network and give passengers seamless connections on a quality carrier to six more cities in Canada – a country that’s popular both as a leisure and business destination for travellers from Hong Kong and Mainland China.”

WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky said; “Our first code-share is yet another significant milestone in the history of Canada’s favourite airline. We are very excited to partner with Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s most prestigious and successful airlines, to offer our unique guest experience to a whole new group of guests. As we continue to achieve our strategic goals, today’s  announcement is the first in a series of planned code-share agreements that help to solidify our vision to become one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.”

North America has long been one of Cathay Pacific’s key markets. In addition to expanding its worldwide network through the launch of new routes, the airline has also been working closely with many quality partners on code-share flights to offer passengers increased connectivity.