WestJet Links New Scotland with Old Scotland

All ye lads and lasses, WestJet is now offering non-stop services between Halifax and Glasgow, Scotland.

Heralding this new route, which launched May 29, WestJet hosted several events in Halifax including an evening reception on the eve of the first flight. Guests included corporate bigwigs from the local Nova Scotia community and WestJet Rewards clients.

WestJet president Gregg Saretsky (third from left) commented, “We started this service because we want to connect new Scotland with old Scotland (referring to the strong Scottish heritage found in Nova Scotia). We expect Canadians to travel back to Scotland to trace their roots.”

According to Saretsky, bookings look good and he forecasts that WestJet would be ferrying about 4,600 passengers on this new seasonal service.

To mark this occasion, a WestJet aircraft was emblazoned with a custom-designed WestJet tartan on its tail. Passengers were also given neck ties, cufflinks and scarves specially designed and handcrafted by tartan mill, D.C. Dalgliesh of Selkirk, Scotland. The tartan features the airline’s blue and teal corporate colours. Even Saretsky wore a specially designed kilt for the occasion.

Many dignitaries graced the inaugural flight including the premier of Nova Scotia, Stephen McNeil, Lorelei Nicoll, deputy mayor of Halifax and Joyce Carter, president and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority.

Using a B737-700, this service will operate daily through Oct. 26. WS30 leaves YHZ at 10:45 p.m. and arrives in GLA at 8 a.m. the next day. The return flight, WS31, departs Glasgow at 9:30 a.m. and lands in Halifax at 11:45 a.m.

Saretsky – clad in a specially commissioned tartan kilt in WestJet’s colours – is pictured with Halifax ground staff.