WestJet announces non-stop Dreamliner flights to Rome

Calgarians looking to vacation inItaly will have more travel options to choose from starting next May, when WestJet will begin offering non-stop flights to Rome, the Calgary-based company said Wednesday.

In a press conference at the Fairmont Palliserhotel, WestJet CEO Ed Sims announced thatseasonal service betweenthe CalgaryInternational Airport and Rome'sLeonardo da Vinci Airportwill be offered once a week starting onMay 2, 2020.

Service is set to increase to three flights a weekstarting May 28, 2020, Sims said.

The flight path isstill awaiting government approval, butSims says he believes the Italian destination will provide Calgarians with a convenient gateway to the Mediterranean and southeastern Europe.

"WestJet's continued international expansion from our home inCalgaryreinforces our commitment to investing in the city as an international aviation hub," saidSims.

The transatlantic flights will be offered on WestJet's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, 10 of which were ordered by the airlinein May of 2017.

Simscredited the aircraft for bringing faraway destinations within the airline's reachbecause of its fuel efficiency.

"These massive investments drive economic growth, boost tourismand, most importantly, connect families and friends," Sims said.

The airline isenjoying a profitable year after it sawprofits plungein 2018because of factors that included steep competition from Air Canada and high fuel costs.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi spoke at the news conferenceand said he was optimistic that WestJet's expansion would contribute to the city's economic growth.

"Welcome to another chapter in Calgary's comeback," said Nenshi.

"One of our major platforms for growth in this city is the transportation and logistics sector; one of the other ones is the tourism sector. So this beautifully brings thosetogether."

WestJet also announced thatitplans to increase Dreamlinerflights by 52per cent in 2020, which will include daily service to London and increased service to Paris.