WestJet’s inaugural flight to be celebrated with community party

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This article was published 13/08/2013 (4596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Brandon is throwing a party to mark WestJet Encore’s first official touchdown at the Brandon Municipal Airport — and all of Westman is invited.

Daily, non-stop flights operated by WestJet between Brandon and Calgary begin on Sept. 3. The service was officially announced by WestJet and the City of Brandon during a joint press conference at the Municipal Airport in May.

To celebrate the culmination of months of preparation by WestJet, the City of Brandon and its community partners, a family-oriented celebration is being staged at the airport in conjunction with the airline’s inaugural flight.

“WestJet’s inaugural flight into Brandon on Sept.3 is certainly reason to celebrate, and we want to show WestJet that the entire Western Manitoba community is ready to celebrate with us,” Brandon Mayor Shari Decter Hirst said. 

“We’re inviting the public to come down to the airport for some free entertainment, free refreshments, and to witness the very first touchdown of WestJet’s Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft in our city.”

The Inaugural Flight Celebration is set for Sept.3 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brandon Municipal Airport, on the north side of the Brandon Flying Club Hangar. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held inside the hangar.

The free community event will feature, among other things, children’s entertainment and games, the opportunity to have a free hot dog and drink, and free tours of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. Additional food vendors and various community booths will also be set up on-site. 

In addition, free Brandon Transit shuttles to and from the Downtown Bus Mall and the Municipal Airport, from 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

“Who doesn’t love watching a plane touch down and taxi down a runway?” said Brandon’s economic development director Sandy Trudel. 

“We want our community to witness the excitement of the very first WestJet Encore touchdown in Brandon and celebrate with us, because it’s those very people who will help make this direct flight service a reality and it’s those very people who will help make Brandon’s WestJet service a success.”

Decter Hirst and Trudel, along with city manager Scott Hildebrand and two members of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce executive, will arrive at the airport on the inaugural Calgary-to-Brandon leg of the flight just prior to 1 p.m.

Following a few brief speeches from dignitaries, several dozen passengers who were lucky enough to book seats on the first Brandon-Calgary leg of the service will then take to the skies at approximately 1:20 p.m.

Bookings for the daily Brandon-Calgary route can be made by visiting www.westjet.com or by contacting a local travel agent.

A number of improvements have been undertaken at the Brandon Municipal Airport to prepare for WestJet’s arrival, including upgrades to air service equipment, interior paint schemes, airport signage and the provision of snack and beverage amenities in the secure passenger area.

Meanwhile, a longer-term redevelopment plan includes the installation of a baggage carrousel and revised arrivals hall; relocation of the secure passenger hold area (with washroom facilities) and security queue areas; construction of new, updated ticketing counters; and an update of surfaces, furniture, lighting and mechanical systems.

 

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