Lights, camera, action: Direct route to Los Angeles lands at YWG

It will soon be easier to travel to one of the most iconic cities in the world from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. 

WestJet unveiled plans for a new, year-round direct route between Winnipeg and Los Angeles during a special event on August 17 at The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre in downtown Winnipeg. Service is expected to start on October 31, with flights scheduled to take off three times per week on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This will mark the first route to launch at YWG in two years and the first new major destination out of Winnipeg since 2016.

“Winnipeg Airports Authority exists to serve the community, and central to that is growing its connectivity,” said WAA President & CEO Nick Hays. “We’re ecstatic to help bring this valuable route to Winnipeg to help provide more leisure travel options, more convenience for those flying for business, and more dollars for the province’s economy, particularly its thriving film and television industry.”

More than $364 million worth of production volume was brought to the province by the film and television sectors last year, according to Manitoba Film & Music. The industry also generated business for 36 Manitoba production companies.

“Traffic between Manitoba and Southern California continues to grow, driven in large part by the film and television industry,” said Hays. “Now, Winnipeg is just one flight away from the bright lights of Hollywood, allowing executives, actors, and others working in the sector to travel between the two cities easily. We’re extremely proud to work with WestJet to make this route possible and also want to thank Economic Development Winnipeg as well as the Government of Manitoba for their support in helping us land it for the benefit of our entire community.”

On August 12, the Province announced it is providing $4.8 million to WAA to enhance Winnipeg’s air connectivity, which plays a crucial role in the community by bringing trade, tourism, and new business to Manitoba. The funding will help WAA compete in attracting new direct routes or airlines at a time when the aviation industry continues to recover from the pandemic.