OREANDA-NEWS. Already the largest supplier of international air passengers to Las Vegas, Canadian airline WestJet commemorated news of its record-setting 1 million passenger count at McCarran International Airport in 2013 by announcing plans to increase nonstop service into the entertainment capital with 18 additional weekly flights starting this summer. Beginning in June, the carrier will boost its Las Vegas offerings in multiple cities to a total of 76 weekly, non-stop flights.

"In 2013, WestJet became the first foreign airline to carry over 1 million guests to/from Las Vegas in a single year - proof that the destination is as popular as ever for Canadians," said John Weatherill, WestJet's Director, Network and Schedule Planning. "We're pleased to announce a major expansion of our Las Vegas service with our summer 2014 schedule. WestJet will make it easier than ever for Canadians to get away to the excitement of Las Vegas!"

WestJet already offers seasonal service to Las Vegas from Victoria, British Columbia; and Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Beginning in June, the carrier will add summer flights twice weekly to each city, effectively making these three markets year-round connections for the first time. Edmonton, Alberta, will gain four flights per week beginning in the summer, increasing its weekly total to 14, and the Calgary, Alberta, weekly schedule will increase by six flights this summer to 20 per week.

In addition to the expanded service, WestJet also plans to introduce new service to Las Vegas from Fort McMurray, Alberta, with two weekly flights beginning June 24th. In total, WestJet now offers non-stop service to Las Vegas from 10 Canadian cities on a year-round basis and two others on a seasonal schedule.

"McCarran International Airport has welcomed flights from outside the United States for 46 years, starting out small but enjoying tremendous growth over the past several years. I am elated to see WestJet become our first international airline partner to exceed 1 million annual passengers, and I am even more excited about the additional service it will offer to and from Canada in 2014," said Rosemary A. Vassiliadis, Director of Aviation for Clark County, NV.

Canada is the No. 1 source of international visitors to Las Vegas. Visitors from the market totaled 1.9 million in 2012. The new service will add 37 percent more seats from June through August and generate approximately USD 149.3 million in annual non-gaming economic impact.