Air North, Yukon’s Airline and WestJet announce new interline agreement, improving passenger experience and connectivity

Whitehorse, Yukon — July 29, 2024 — Air North, Yukon’s Airline today announced the signing of an interline agreement with WestJet. The partnership links both airlines’ networks to deliver a new level of convenience and connectivity for passengers.

Beginning July 31, 2024, travellers will be able to enjoy seamless baggage transfer between the two carriers. In addition, bookings made through travel agencies and third-party websites will have the ability to combine both carriers on a single ticket or itinerary, offering the convenience of a single ticket for travel across Air North’s network and more than 100 WestJet destinations.

The agreement opens new economic and tourism possibilities for both the Yukon and Northwest Territories, and boost connectivity for northern communities such as Old Crow, Dawson, and Inuvik—bringing them closer to major urban centres and significantly improving service options for these regions. With connections to and from some of the most prominent tourism hubs in the world, Yukoners will benefit from seamless travel to new and popular destinations while international travellers will find it even easier to explore everything the North has to offer, beginning with the signature warm cookies on board Air North’s flights.

This vital interline agreement marks a significant milestone in Air North’s evolution, complementing the recent introduction of their new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and the announcement of their 52,000-square-foot hangar in Whitehorse, Yukon.

“Safe, affordable, and seamless air travel is a necessity rather than a luxury for northerners. This interline agreement will provide enhanced access to and from the rest of the world for Yukoners and for visitors to the Yukon and are confident that, by doing so, it will provide significant benefits for Yukoners, for visitors to the Yukon and for Air North and WestJet.”
– Joe Sparling, CEO, Air North, Yukon’s Airline

“Understanding the criticality of air access for remote communities, and through our shared passion for affordable and accessible air travel, WestJet and Air North are joining forces to deliver the only full large carrier interline agreement to Northern Canada. This interline agreement will redefine air travel to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories from WestJet’s expansive network, igniting important new tourism and business travel opportunities. It will also unlock more seamless access for education, medical and cargo services to reach remote communities.”
– Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director – Alliances and Airport Affairs, WestJet

“Improving connectivity to and within the North has always been the goal of Air North, Yukon’s Airline. The interline agreement with WestJet is a testament to that. Vuntut Gwitchin is ecstatic that we now have enhanced convenience for travelling between our northern communities to larger metropolitan centres, making for stress free travel and improving passenger experience for wherever their travels may take them.”
– Chief Pauline Frost, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

“The Government of Yukon is thrilled to support Air North’s interline agreement with WestJet, a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and convenience for travelers across the Yukon and beyond. This agreement will streamline travel options, making it easier for Yukoners and visitors to access a broader network of destinations. Fostering a stable and sustainable aviation sector is a high priority for our government, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our aviation industry and drive economic growth and accessibility for our communities.” 
– Premier Ranj Pillai, Government of Yukon

“Air North’s interline agreement with WestJet is great news for the Yukon, enhancing connectivity for travellers in Whitehorse, Dawson, and Old Crow. Our government has been working to secure such agreements, demonstrating our commitment to supporting Yukon’s aviation sector. I am proud to see this partnership which will benefit Yukoners, visitors, and our aviation industry.”
– Nils Clarke, Minister of Highways and Public Works, Government of Yukon

“This exciting new agreement marks a significant milestone for Yukoners and visitors alike, making travel to our beautiful territory easier than ever. The interline agreement between WestJet and Air North will open doors for more visitors from across Canada and around the world to experience all that the Yukon has to offer. Our government extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this possible, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming more folks North of 60°.” 
– John Streicker, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Yukon

“Once again Air North is showing that innovation and cooperation are key to a successful local airline industry. Congratulations to Joe Sparling and the entire team at Air North for helping to connect Yukoners to WestJet’s domestic and global network.”
– Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon

Quick Facts

  • Bookings can only be made via travel agencies and third-party ticket websites through the GDS (Global Distribution System; a worldwide reservation system that acts as a conduit between travel agents and airlines).
  • Air North passengers will be able to connect to more than 100 destinations in 26 countries served by WestJet, including major tourism hubs in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
  • Point-of-departure baggage-transfer will include connections to and from WestJet and some of its partners’ domestic and international destinations.

About Air North, Yukon’s Airline

Air North, Yukon’s Airline was founded in 1977 and is 49% owned by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. One in ten Yukoners have an equity or employment stake in the airline, making Air North a key employer in the Yukon. Air North operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800, 737-500 and 737-400 jet aircraft, and ATR 42 turboprops on routes throughout the Yukon and to the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, and seasonally to Ontario. In 2020 it was the recipient of TripAdvisor’s  Travellers’ Choice Award for Best Airline in Canada and Best Airline (Specialty and Leisure) in North America based upon glowing reviews from its passengers.

Press Contact

Maria Kostaras, Director of Marketing and Communications
Air North, Yukon’s Airline
media@flyairnorth.com
(403) 608.2331