WestJet’s new headquarters stay true to Calgary roots

 CALGARY- A Calgary-based airline is staying true to its roots despite a major expansion.

WestJet is rolling out its new airline, ‘Encore’, and announced on Wednesday that Calgary will be home to its headquarters.

“Calgary has been WestJet’s home since we began operations in 1996,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet’s president and CEO in a statement. “As WestJet Encore looks to replicate the success of WestJet, the decision to do so from a Calgary headquarters felt right for us operationally and felt right for our WestJetters.”

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The airline is now working with the Calgary Airport Authority to determine exactly where the 40,000 square feet of office space and a maintenance facility will be located.

“WestJet already has a significant corporate and operational presence at YYC and the addition of the WestJet Encore head office and maintenance facility will greatly enhance the vitality of YYC as a major Canadian hub airport,” said Garth Atikinson, president and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority.

The low-cost regional carrier is set to launch in 2013. The airline has still not announced which communities it will serve.
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