Many visitors from Canada have discovered how wonderful the entire Gulf Coast region is for a vacation, a seasonal reprieve during winter, or even as a location for a second home. Our sugar white beaches, emerald waters, golf courses, resorts and entertainment are world class but traveling to our area has been hindered by the lack of direct air service to our northernmost neighbor. In fact, the entire region is lacking direct international air service ? whether it is scheduled public charter or seasonal service ? with the closest airports being Orlando (7 hour drive) or Atlanta (5 hour drive).
Management at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) in conjunction with the Emerald Coast Tourist Development Council and Okaloosa County Economic Development Council are exploring possibilities of introducing direct commercial flights through Canada?s leading high-value, low-fare airline ? West Jet.
WestJet offers scheduled service to 51 destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, with its fleet of 76 Boeing Next-Generation 737-series aircraft. The airline strives to offer guests a friendly, efficient and relaxing experience from time of booking to final destination and would be a perfect fit for the area. Non-stop air service to WestJet?s primary hub in Toronto could be achieved someday if customer demand is strong enough.
To gauge community support and query potential passengers, this website has been established to provide an electronic survey and further details about this intriguing potential.
The economic benefits to our region are enormous as such a pioneering service would expand tourism beyond traditional ?drive-in markets? while providing a much needed convenience for Canadian ?Snowbirds? who need to check on home, have friends or family visit, handle medical appointments, or travel on short notice without driving.
Please consider participating in our campaign to show WestJet that possibilities exist in Northwest Florida.
