OREANDA-NEWS. WestJet today announced the launch of new non-stop service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Beginning May 6, 2016, the new service will operate using WestJet’s new Boeing 767-300 wide-body aircraft, complete with a signature new maple leaf-themed tail.

“We are delighted to welcome WestJet’s new wide-body from London Gatwick,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. ”More flights to London means more seats for Europe-hungry B.C. travellers, another opportunity for WestJet to share its spirited brand with guests across the pond and more jobs at the airport and throughout our local travel industry.”

WestJet’s new international service will create 141 new local jobs in the transportation and tourism sectors, $5.2 million in wages and approximately $8.5 million in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the province of British Columbia.

Each flight will offer seats for 262 guests, including a Plus cabin with premium seats for 24. Onboard, guests will also enjoy WestJet Connect, the airline’s new inflight entertainment and wireless connectivity system.

Flights will operate as follows

Vancouver-London

Six times weekly; Departs 5:50 p.m.; Arrives 11:24 a.m. (+1)

London-Vancouver

Six times weekly; Departs 12:55 p.m. ; Arrives 3:40 p.m.

“Canadians have been paying far too much to fly to Europe for far too long and today, as we have throughout our history, we’re going to fix that,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “We are offering non-stop flights at very low prices and we’re proud to once again lower airfares and make travel more affordable.”   WestJet is offering one-way fares between Vancouver and Gatwick starting as low as $299 (CAD).  Additional flight information is available at www.westjet.com.

Vancouver was among WestJet’s five original destinations when it launched service in February 1996. Since then, WestJet has grown to offer 30 non-stop routes with more than 60 daily flights operating out of YVR.