Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) welcomed WestJet and six-day-a-week service to Calgary, Alberta, Sunday, March 3.

“We’re delighted to welcome the ‘Best Airline in Canada’ to our family of air carriers,” ATL General Manager John Selden said to an assembled crowd as the inaugural flight arrived. “With today’s flight, WestJet is now the only airline connecting Calgarians to Atlanta nonstop.”
 
WestJet is Atlanta’s 11th international airline, excluding regional affiliates and charters. The carrier will offer the Calgary-Atlanta route through its codeshare partner, Delta Air Lines.
 
Calgary is Canada’s third largest city. Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, the region is considered the leader in the Canadian oil and gas industry and is home to the Calgary Stampede – one of the world’s largest rodeos. Calgary and Atlanta also share a unique history: both cities hosted the Olympic Games.
 
“Southern hospitality is alive and well,” WestJet Chief Financial Officer Harry Tayler said upon his arrival Sunday. He pointed out the temperature upon the flight’s departure in Calgary that morning was seven degrees on the prairie.
 
“A balmy seven degrees,” he said with a smile, as he welcomed the 60-degree temperatures in Atlanta.
 
Nonstop daily service between Atlanta and Calgary will begin April 7. WestJet executives hope to add additional routes between the airline’s destinations and Atlanta in the future.