WestJet launches YYC-AMS from August 5
Jul 26, 2021, 12:49 pm
#61
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Copenhagen
Programs: skyteam
Posts: 575
Update, now available via WestJet's website.
They also put out a news release with a complete list of 18 destinations they're codesharing on.
https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/news/2...-via-amsterdam
They also put out a news release with a complete list of 18 destinations they're codesharing on.
https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/news/2...-via-amsterdam
Aug 4, 2021, 4:55 pm
#62
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: YMJ (YQR)
Programs: Qantas LTG, WestJet Plat
Posts: 330
WS has finally added its code onto KLM flights out of AMS including LHR, LCY, MAN, GLA, EDI, MAD, MXP, MUC, LIS, etc.
However, none of these flights currently come up when you search on WS.com but can found with a WS code in the GDS. For example:
WS5233 AMS-LHR
WS5249 AMS-MAN
WS5237 AMS-LIS
However, none of these flights currently come up when you search on WS.com but can found with a WS code in the GDS. For example:
WS5233 AMS-LHR
WS5249 AMS-MAN
WS5237 AMS-LIS
The AMS launch seems to, more than any of the other European routes, be about using it as a hub. Previously-served destinations from YHZ are now available through AMS, plus the new codeshare destinations. Just like the current recovery schedules in general (much more centred around hub waves than before), the strategy appears to be one of consolidation - you can still get to all previous destinations, but you're consolidated into a single flight across the pond.
This connection-centric approach is a notable change from the leisure-oriented network design that resulted in BCN, FCO and, to some degree, CDG.
In terms of why AMS/will it scare off KL, the Netherlands and KL play strongly into the oil and gas sector, which should help. It'll be interesting to see if KL and WS "evolve" their relationship further as a result of this. AF/KL are in the very limited group of airlines that have a relationship with WS beyond a few codeshares or interline.
For the doubters, the inaugural flight is still scheduled for tomorrow night...
Aug 5, 2021, 9:57 pm
#64
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYC, Canada
Programs: AC 35k
Posts: 1,898
Aug 5, 2021, 11:57 pm
#65
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Copenhagen
Programs: skyteam
Posts: 575
Congratulations Westjet. Departed 20:52MDT , 3 minutes early.I wish I was in AMS this afternoon to watch it arrive.
Currently cruising at 36,981FT with 5hrs09 left inflight.
Last edited by cirrusdragoon; Aug 6, 2021 at 12:36 am
Aug 6, 2021, 7:29 am
#66
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 426
Aug 17, 2021, 6:50 pm
#68
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYC, Canada
Programs: AC 35k
Posts: 1,898
The fact remains that WS is generally an inferior carrier to DL, KL and AC. It is not a member of any alliance, and it has a loyalty program that makes access to J impossible. As a flier who primarily travels on points, this is a huge problem. In addition it is always easier to fly with a foreign carrier and transit in their hub then try code sharing with WS. Anyone who has tried a simple WestJet-Delta flight knows how terrible this is.
Where WestJet is adding new service, we welcome it. But copying the routes of competitors or partners may drive those carriers away, and if they do, we lose. We're stuck with WestJet. I don't want to be stuck with WestJet anymore than I already am being a YYC-based flier. I don't want to have to fly WestJet to get to AMS, I want to fly KLM and have a seamless connection with the full set of options. I don't want to sit in a noisy DH4 to SEA - I want to fly a E175 with J and connect on Delta without having to exchange boarding passes or other nonsense from a so-called "partnership".
I would love Air France to start CDG, but they aren't going to, so okay, WestJet service is a consolation. But I'm not going to celebrate potentially losing service from global carriers to WestJet. I would much rather they try something interesting like DEL, given how many people connect in YVR for this route (obviously not at the moment due to COVID, but post-COVID), or ICN with a Korean Air partnership.
Aug 17, 2021, 9:53 pm
#69
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YVR
Programs: AC 75K, BA Gold, Marriott Platinum, National EE, Sixt Platinum, Hertz PC, AVIS PC
Posts: 1,912
Your personal views of Calgary as a destination are very clear.
The fact remains that WS is generally an inferior carrier to DL, KL and AC. It is not a member of any alliance, and it has a loyalty program that makes access to J impossible. As a flier who primarily travels on points, this is a huge problem. In addition it is always easier to fly with a foreign carrier and transit in their hub then try code sharing with WS. Anyone who has tried a simple WestJet-Delta flight knows how terrible this is.
The fact remains that WS is generally an inferior carrier to DL, KL and AC. It is not a member of any alliance, and it has a loyalty program that makes access to J impossible. As a flier who primarily travels on points, this is a huge problem. In addition it is always easier to fly with a foreign carrier and transit in their hub then try code sharing with WS. Anyone who has tried a simple WestJet-Delta flight knows how terrible this is.
You can redeem your WJD for seats in J to AMS.. but.. Westjet Rewards redemptions on routes like this are a complete rip off.. The 'Member Exclusive' YVR-AMS Econo fare allows you to redeem a whopping $32 (base fare) each way.. $64 total! With a total of $657.85 in taxes and fees (taxes and fees in J are almost $700 each way!) What a scam!
Ron.
Apr 19, 2022, 10:52 pm
#71
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 980
I’ve heard rumours that they’ve not been able to obtain slots for this year. And with Rome starting and Dublin resuming this summer I don’t know if they would have had enough 787s on hand to add Amsterdam anyways.