(Whitehorse) WestJet and Whitehorse-based Air North have announced a new agreement that will allow travel on a single ticket across both airlines’ networks.
A WestJet statement said the new “interline agreement” will allow passengers to book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet’s network and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
This means that there will be a single check-in point and checked baggage will be delivered directly to the destination for connecting routes from July 31.
Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet’s director of alliances and airport affairs, says the agreement will “redefine” air travel to the Yukon and Northwest Territories, creating new tourism and business travel opportunities.
He said in a statement that the agreement would also help remote communities access education, medical and freight services.
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai said in a statement that the territory was “delighted” to support the agreement, calling it “an important step toward improving connectivity and convenience for travellers across Yukon and beyond.”
Air North President and CEO Joe Sparling said safe, affordable and seamless air travel is a necessity rather than a luxury for northerners, and the agreement with WestJet will expand access to and from the rest of the world for residents and visitors to the territory.
Air North currently serves 12 Canadian destinations, including four communities in northern Yukon as well as Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.
Once the interline agreement comes into effect, passengers will be able to book a single ticket for connections to more than 100 destinations across the WestJet network.