On September 6, WestJet will launch a new year-round route linking Winnipeg with Atlanta five times per week.

"It is great to be back in Winnipeg, announcing a new, direct link between Winnipeg and Atlanta,” said John Weatherill, WestJet EVP and Chief Commercial Officer. “Today's announcement is the result of continued successful collaboration and partnership between WestJet, the Government of Manitoba, Winnipeg Airports Authority and several other valued partners and stakeholders."

The Government of Manitoba is working to stimulate the restart of routes to major American hubs, dangling a $5 million fund that will support airlines if certain targets, such as passenger volumes, are not met. That security helped encourage WestJet to launch nonstop Winnipeg-Los Angeles flights last October. The airline says traffic has been strong and it has not had to draw upon the fund.

ATL is a major hub for Delta, and WestJet’s codeshare partnership with that airline will give travellers access to over 50 connecting destinations now accessible with only one stop from Winnipeg.

WestJet guests have access to Delta's broad network on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests.