WestJet to offer service to Whitehorse

WestJet airlines announced its plans Monday to break into the Whitehorse market this spring with an introductory$99 flight to Vancouver.

With taxes and fees, the cost of a one-way ticket will be about $130. The airline said the daily round-trip service will start in May.

WestJet spokesperson Robert Palmer said a glitch in the company's website is preventing people from booking flights online today, but he hopes that will be fixed soon.

In the meantime, he hopesWestJet's travel connections to worldwide destinations will prove useful to Yukoners and to people who want to visit the territory.

"We have done our homework. We do think there is a tremendous opportunity for us there. We have tremendous airline partnerships, including a lot in Asia with Asian tourists to come in the summertime and see the land of the midnight sun or in the winter and see the Northern lights," said Palmer.

Air North is offering flights between Whitehorse and Vancouver for the same price. Air Canada's lowest fare to Vancouver from Whitehorseis $205 for a one-way ticket.

WestJet already flies to another northern capital Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories.