Cardiff close up: WestJet’s new flight to Wales lands in the 6,000 year old city

Cardiff is pegged as one of the UK’s fastest growing capitals. It’s estimated that over 35 Canadian companies are based in Wales, employing around 6,500 people, while Canada is an export market worth over £300-million a year.

So isn’t it fitting that on May 22, WestJet, a Western Canada airline, launched a seasonal service choosing Toronto as its departure hub to Cardiff? It’s a strategic move that marks the first direct air connection between Canada and Wales in nearly 20 years.

Travel Press Today was there for its inaugural flight as we departed from YYZ’s Terminal 3 and reclined inside the snazzy Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft for the 7-hour and 5 minutes gate to gate trip that covered 3,434 miles (5,523 km).

For some onboard amusement, free WestJet Wi-Fi is at the ready via the WestJet App allowing passengers to connect for inflight entertainment choices.

And for your sustainably-conscious clients, they can rest assured that the aircraft packs 13 percent more fuel efficiency, minimizing fuel costs while reducing emissions. If you’ve ever flown on one of these sleek planes, you’ll realize there’s a quieter engine that’s better for guest comfort, too. The airline company reports an engine noise reduction by up to 40 percent compared to other Boeing 737 aircrafts.

The Welsh capital is part of an expanding portfolio of European travel plans for a stellar summer booking spree that is surely prepped to whet the appetites of hungry Canadians seeking alternative routes to Europe.

At the Cardiff Airport (CWL), Canadian media, on this very cool assignment alongside other guests and passengers, were treated to a traditional water cannon salute.

About the company’s significant milestone to its growing network and the communities which it serves, Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, noted, “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.” WestJet now offers four flights per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, further added that this is a landmark moment for Cardiff Airport and Wales. “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America,” he announced on this historic occasion, which offers travel advisors an alternative choice for their clients who are seeking European vacations and corporate trips in the expected heavy summer travel season.

The result: bypass busy hubs like Heathrow International Airport and fly to Cardiff instead.  After all, this is Britain as you imagined it—castles, coastlines, and countryside, but minus the crowds.

Clients travelling to Wales need to pre-clear the United Kingdom with the UK ETA, an online app tool costing 20 pounds. Beware of scam or spam websites.

Now, we’re off for a week to explore the ‘best of the best’ travel experiences in Wales for advisors and your clients.

Mwy i ddilyn! (More to follow)

In the photo 

WestJet’s inaugural flight to Cardiff gets a warm welcome.  Seen here, from l to r, are Wayne Harvey, Chair of Cardiff Airport; Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy; Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs; and Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport. (Photo credit: Nick Morrish)