WestJet surprises YWG travellers with CFL Grey Cup trophy

Guests arriving at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport on WestJet flights the morning of Nov. 8 were greeted with a major surprise.

Awaiting them on the baggage carousel was the CFL’s iconic Grey Cup, which otherwise wouldn’t be in Winnipeg this weekend and was brought in by WestJet in partnership with the CFL. It could be found circulating amongst the baggage to the delight of hundreds of fans flying in from Saskatoon, Toronto, and Edmonton for the Western Final game on November 9th, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers facing the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Jeff McWhinney, the Keeper of the Cup, was on hand to personally retrieve the trophy. It was placed in a plexiglass display case branded with the WestJet logo and CFL team insignias. McWhinney, who inherited his love of the sport from his father Glenn (a player before the CFL was officially formed), happily surprised fans by posing for photos with the iconic Grey Cup.

WestJet is the proud Official Airline and Vacation Tour Operator of the CFL. In this partnership, WestJet exclusively flies CFL teams across the country throughout the post-season to their games and the nation’s largest single-day sporting event: the Grey Cup.

WestJet will also serve as a Gold Partner for the 2024 Grey Cup Festival. “We know how much these final games mean to CFL fans who travel coast to coast to cheer on their favourite teams, so this whole experience at the carousel was our way of making a memorable visit they won’t forget,” says Mariam Wilton, senior manager, brand strategy and activation at WestJet.

WestJet has always been dedicated to enriching guests’ travel stories, helping them collect unforgettable memories and experiences that matter most. Their newly launched brand platform and tagline, “Where your story takes off,” perfectly embodies this commitment.

“At WestJet, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our guests. This special moment at the carousel in partnership with the CFL captures WestJetter’s commitment to creating meaningful memories for our guest’s travel stories,” says Jennifer Callegaro, Director of Marketing, at WestJet.