In a landmark announcement for Alberta's aviation sector, WestJet has revealed that its 100th non-stop destination from Calgary International Airport (YYC) will be São Paulo, Brazil. The historic declaration was made on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the ENMAX Conservatory within the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
A Milestone Three Decades in the Making
Following a vibrant performance by passistas from Calgary's local Brazilian community, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech addressed the crowd. He emphasized that this achievement culminates thirty years of growth for the airline, which began with much shorter hops.
"Beginning this fall, WestJet will operate the only nonstop flight between all of Western Canada and South America," stated Hoensbroech. "With this service, we will be connecting Calgary to destinations on four different continents." The new route will be serviced by the airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, offering direct access to the largest city in the Americas.
Local Leaders Celebrate Economic and Cultural Gateway
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas opened his remarks with light-hearted jokes before highlighting the significance of the new route for the city's economy. "It's a success story because this is a company that has transformed Canada's airline sector," Farkas said, noting WestJet's creation of thousands of local jobs.
He framed Calgary's role as a global hub: "As a hub, Calgary is now the gateway to more than 100 destinations around the world... and it's possible because of the company that started right here."
The provincial perspective was provided by Tara Sawyer, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. She stated the connection would "deepen ties between Alberta and Brazil, opening the door for more visitors, more business, and new cultural connections," identifying expanded air access as a key driver for economic growth.
From Winnipeg to the World: A Journey of 11,000 Kilometers
The scale of WestJet's evolution was starkly illustrated by Chris Dinsdale, CEO of YYC Calgary Airport. He recalled that thirty years ago, the airline's longest flight from Calgary was to Winnipeg, a distance of just over 1,000 kilometers.
"And now we're standing here 30 years later and we're talking about one that's almost 11,000 kilometers away," Dinsdale remarked. "Before we were connecting a few neighboring cities, now we're planting continents." He praised the enduring partnership between the airport and the airline, calling it a journey through "all the ups and all the downs."
The new Calgary to São Paulo service, set to launch in the fall of 2026, will be WestJet's longest flight at approximately 14 hours. It solidifies Calgary's position as a major international connector and provides an unprecedented direct link for business, tourism, and cultural exchange between Alberta and South America's economic powerhouse.
