WestJet unveils Dreamliner hangar at Calgary International Airport (PHOTOS)
Calgary International Airport just got a brand new building.
WestJet officially unveiled its 125,000-sq-ft Dreamliner hangar at an event on Tuesday, April 24, showing the world (and the 1,500 WestJet employees in attendance) the structure that will be used to house and maintain its brand new 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
See also
- Calgary could be hit with up to 15 cm of snowfall on Saturday alone
- These are the world’s best and worst airlines in 2019
- First Look: Get a glimpse of WestJet's new Dreamliners (PHOTOS)
Calgarians got their first look at the new aircraft in February of this year when the airline offered a look inside the 320-seat behemoths.
At least 10 Dreamliners are expected to frequent YYC once operational, with consistent flight paths confirmed from Calgary to London, Paris, and Dublin starting this spring.
WestJet does also have the option to purchase an additional 10 Dreamliners. If they choose to, those planes would land in Calgary sometime between 2020 and 2024.
WestJet Dreamliner hangar at Calgary International Airport (CNW Group/WESTJET)
According to a release from WestJet, the hangar was the result of a $50 million investment that extended the Calgary International Airport’s campus size by 500,000-sq-ft, or 11 acres.
“Today marks another significant step in WestJet’s journey as a global network carrier,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO, in the release.
“This state-of-the-art facility provides the perfect environment for our highly skilled aviation maintenance engineering teams to continue to ensure the safety and comfort of our 25 million annual guests.”
WestJet Dreamliner hangar at Calgary International Airport (CNW Group/WESTJET)
The hangar will be where the 787-9 Dreamliners will be maintained, as it can hold up to 130 members of their technical operations teams at one time.
“Selecting Calgary as the hub for its 787 Dreamliner fleet, and building out the hangar facility, speaks to the confidence WestJet has in the Calgary and Alberta market,” said Mary Moran, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development, in the release.
“WestJet continues to embody Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit and highlights the opportunity to grow incredible companies here. Our city is a gateway to regional and global markets and having an airline hub makes us a more attractive market for investment through significant passenger and cargo growth.”
The first Dreamliner flights will depart Calgary for London, Paris, and Dublin on April 28, May 17, and June 1, respectively.
WestJet Dreamliner hangar at Calgary International Airport (CNW Group/WESTJET)
See also
Follow Channels and Categories