WestJet to Connect Western Canada with South America for First Time: New Calgary-São Paulo Route
WestJet has just taken a high-impact strategic step in its international network. The airline announced the launch of a new non-stop route between Calgary and São Paulo/Guarulhos, an operation that not only opens South America to Western Canada but also solidifies Calgary’s position as a key North American hub by reaching 100 direct destinations from the city.
Calgary–São Paulo: A Pioneering Route for Western Canada
Starting November 8, 2026, WestJet will offer the only non-stop flight between Western Canada and South America, with a frequency of three weekly flights. The operation will be handled by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the airline’s long-range wide-body aircraft.
Schedule for the New Route
- Calgary — São Paulo
Departure: 22:45
Arrival: 15:35 (+1 day)
- São Paulo — Calgary
Departure: 19:40
Arrival: 05:15 (+1 day)
Flights are already available for sale through the airline’s website for the fall-winter season.
100th Destination from Calgary: A Symbol of Sustained Growth
The route to São Paulo officially becomes WestJet’s 100th non-stop destination from Calgary, a milestone that summarizes nearly three decades of expansion.
“From our first flight in 1996 to reaching 100 non-stop destinations across four continents, Calgary has been with us every step of the way,” stated Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group.
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The executive further emphasized that this growth reinforces Calgary’s position as “the best-connected mid-sized city in North America,” a claim that speaks to both passenger traffic and regional economic development.
A Gateway to South America for Passengers and Cargo
Beyond the tourism component, São Paulo adds key value for corporate traffic and air cargo. As the largest city in the Americas, São Paulo is the economic heart of the continent and a nerve center for international trade.
Operating with the 787-9 Dreamliner will allow for added cargo capacity, facilitating trade exchange between Canada and South American markets, with greater logistical flexibility for companies on both continents.
Expanded Connectivity Thanks to LATAM and Regional Partners
São Paulo/Guarulhos is one of the main hubs for LATAM Airlines, a strategic partner of WestJet in South America. Thanks to this alliance, and subject to regulatory approvals, passengers of the Canadian airline will gain access to more than 30 additional destinations in the region, including:
- Lima (Peru)
- Santiago (Chile)
- Buenos Aires (Argentina)
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- Montevideo (Uruguay)
WestJet is not just adding a new destination; it is crossing a symbolic and operational threshold, positioning Calgary as a true aerial bridge between North America and South America, and reinforcing its ambition to compete in the league of major intercontinental hubs.
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