WestJet has announced its latest Boeing 787 routes. From the 31st October, the Canadian carrier will begin operating the aircraft between Calgary and Kahului. The announcement comes as the carrier receives more Boeing 787 aircraft.

WestJet is Canada’s second largest carrier behind Air Canada. The carrier has traditionally been a low-cost carrier, however, now also offers a business class cabin onboard its Boeing 787 fleet. WestJet has already received some of these aircraft and is currently flying between Calgary and London utilising the type.

Hawaii flights

There is much anticipation over the new Boeing 787 flights to the islands from Canada. RoutesOnline reported on the details, noting that when WestJet launch the service, they will be the only carrier offering non-stop flights on the route. The flight will operate five times a week, and will accompany an existing Vancouver to Kahului flight operated by a Boeing 737.

The flights are due to operate to the following timetable:

• WS1858 will depart Calgary at 1100. Following a 6-hour 27-minute flight, it will land in Kahului at 1327.
• WS1857 will depart from Kahului at 2130. The night flight will land in Calgary after a 5-hour 44-minute flight at 0714 the next day.

Increased London frequency

WestJet is also increasing the frequency with which it serves London. The Canadian low-cost carrier will achieve this firstly by increasing the frequency of flights between London and Calgary. Additionally, WestJet will add Boeing 787 flights between London and Toronto. These flights will commence on October 29th.

This will see the carrier operating flights between London and Toronto once a day. Additionally, with the increase in frequency from Calgary, flights will operate four times a week on that route.

Boeing 787 business class

With the Boeing 787, WestJet has begun to offer a business class cabin. Although WestJet is a low-cost carrier, it makes sense for them to offer a premium product on longer routes. Both Air Canada and British Airways operate between London and Canada, so they've got some stiff competition. Indeed, BA will start operating their A350 with the new business class product to Toronto later this year.

By offering a business class cabin, WestJet is able to tap into an additional market. The new class also allows the carrier to compete against the route's flag carriers, hopefully at a more attractive price point.

Onboard the WestJet Boeing 787, there are 16 business class seats. These are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration in four rows. Simple Flying's Paul Lucas recently flew onboard the inaugural Boeing 787 flight from London. He commented,

"The lie flat bed is excellent and the blanket and pillow provided were substantial. There is enough horizontal space to accommodate side sleepers of average size"

Tickets for all of the new Boeing 787 routes are already on sale by WestJet. Would you fly to Kahului onboard the WestJet Boeing 787? Let us know in the comments!