Amidst great fanfare and esteemed partners and guests, WestJet on May 17 launched its first flight to Seoul from its global hub in Calgary, establishing a direct link between Alberta and South Korea.
The departure of WestJet flight 86 underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its 787 global hub at YYC Calgary International Airport, fostering greater ties between Alberta’s vibrant visitor economy and Asia’srobust business and tourism landscape.
WestJet service to Seoul will operate on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner three times per week through October 27, 2024, and will return in Spring 2025.
| Route | Frequency | Departure | Arrival |
| Calgary-Seoul | 3x weekly | 17:55 | 20:45+1 |
| Seoul-Calgary | 3x weekly | 22:45 | 18:15 |
The Alberta-South Korea Connection
- Canada and South Korea share strong people to-people linkages stemming from historical connections, which are enhanced by increasing immigration and tourism flows, as well as business visitors. South Korea is one of Canada’s top source countries of international students.
- Alberta also has strong trade ties with many countries in the Indo-Pacific regions, which, together, represent Alberta’s second largest and most diverse export market.
- With three weekly flights and 60 tonnes of cargo capacity into and out of South Korea, WestJet reaffirms its commitment to bolstering ties and delivering efficient and dependable cargo solutions.
- South Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner and sixth largest import and export partner.
- WestJet’s direct connection to ICN supports trade opportunities, streamlining Canadian exports and facilitating the importation of electronics, e-commerce goods and general cargo.