MESA, Ariz. — WestJet, fresh off the completion of its successful inaugural season of service between Calgary, Edmonton, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport recently announced that the Canadian flights will be returning in October. These popular nonstop flights provide convenient and affordable access for the growing number of Canadians that visit the region and own homes in the Phoenix East Valley.

“The East Valley market continues to grow, with more than 1.5 million people living within a 20-minute drive of the airport, said Mesa Mayor John Giles, Chairman of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. “Our continued partnership with WestJet is great news for Gateway Airport and the East Valley. Recent air service announcements and major investments by companies like Apple and Intel are key indicators of a healthy and growing regional economy.”

“The Phoenix East Valley has proven to be a popular market for Canadian air travelers.  The new Gateway Airport service complements our existing schedule at Phoenix Sky Harbor and provides air travelers with exceptional connectivity between the entire Valley and many Canadian markets,” said Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “We are pleased to be returning to Gateway Airport in October and look forward to another successful winter season.”

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is located in Maricopa County, the fastest growing county in the nation.  The Phoenix East Valley is home to dozens of major employers such as Intel, Apple, Boeing, GoDaddy and many more. The Arizona Office of Tourism reports that more than one million Canadian residents visited Arizona in 2016, spending an estimated $1.1 billion during their stay in the State.

Glenn Williamson, CEO of the Canadian Arizona Business Council added, “The return of WestJet to Gateway Airport is a direct reflection of the economic opportunities and robust growth occurring in both regions – Alberta and Phoenix. In addition to the many thousands of leisure travelers looking to get away on a sun-filled vacation, there are hundreds of companies with operations in both countries that will be able to take advantage of the additional flight options.”

For more information about Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport please visit www.gatewayairport.com

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About Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport:
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is owned and operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (PMGAA). PMGAA consists of representation from Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Gila River Indian Community, Phoenix, and Apache Junction. Gateway Airport offers nonstop passenger service to 40 cities via Allegiant and WestJet Airlines and welcomes more than 1.3 million passengers each year.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Media Contact:
Ryan Smith, Director of Communications and Government Relations
Phone: 480-988-7617
Email: rsmith@gatewayairport.com