WestJet has announced that Tokyo, Japan will be its first destination in Asia, with new service starting next summer from Calgary to Narita International Airport.

The move comes as part of a wider WestJet growth strategy using its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline is also increasing connectivity between Western Canada and Europe with new service between Calgary and Barcelona, Spain and Edinburgh, Scotland, along with increased frequencies on existing European routes.

WestJet's 787 flying from Calgary will see the airline take flight to a total of eight transoceanic destinations in 2023. With 40 weekly departures strategically scheduled to maximize connecting capacity across 24 Western Canadian communities, the airline will offer more options for its leisure and business guests.

"This is an exciting day for the WestJet Group, our guests, and partners as we deliver on our new strategy and demonstrate our western focus as we increase our Calgary capacity by more than 25% in 2023,” said WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.

“Starting with the expansion of our intercontinental routes, future announcements will focus on domestic and North American additions that will bring even more affordable travel options to our guests in the new year."

Three-times weekly seasonal service from Calgary to Tokyo will kick off April 30, 2023. WestJet will be the only airline providing transpacific service to Asia direct from Alberta.

WestJet's service from Calgary to both Barcelona and Edinburgh will operate seasonally from May to October, up to three-times weekly. With the addition of its newest routes, WestJet will offer service to six European cities, increasing capacity by 95% with flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick, Paris, Rome and Dublin.

Here’s what WestJet’s 2023 summer service from Calgary to Europe will look like: