WestJet announced today the launch of new non-stop daily service between Vancouver and Calgary to Fort St. John and Nanaimo.

Residents of the South Okanagan were hopeful the airline would be coming to their community, and a flash mob of approximately 500 residents gathered at Penticton Regional Airport back last spring to make their plea.

“We are very pleased to bring our new WestJet Encore service to the Energetic City,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network and Schedule Planning. “The diverse nature of the region’s economic base of oil, natural gas, forestry and agriculture creates a strong foundation for this new service. We believe the Peace Country will appreciate our unique blend of high value, low fares and remarkable guest experience.”

“Fort St. John is British Columbia’s Energy Capital and the regional service centre for all of northeast BC,” said Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman. “This announcement is another key indication of the vibrant and healthy investment environment in Fort St John.

The new service will begin June 24, and will be operated by WestJet Encore’s  fleet of Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. WestJet Encore will take delivery of  its first two Canadian-built, 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft in June  2013 and add five more by the end of the year.

WestJet PR