WestJet has announced that it is again connecting Atlantic Canada to the world with daily direct flights between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Gatwick Airport in London and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

These flights are part of the WestJet 2018 summer schedule also released today.

All flights will be operated on the airline’s newest, most efficient and guest-friendly aircraft, the Boeing 737-8 MAX.

“As the carrier with the most transatlantic flights from Halifax, we are thrilled to announce our first foray onto the European mainland,” said Ed Sims, WestJet executive vice president, commercial.

“Venturing to London and now Paris is an indication of our ambitious growth plans as we move towards becoming a global network carrier.

“This is an investment that will help launch new flights in the future and further expand our presence in Halifax Stanfield International Airport - a key driver in economic and employment growth.”

Starting May 31st, WestJet will begin service with daily flights between Halifax and Paris.

On April 29th, WestJet will begin daily service between Halifax and London Gatwick.

In addition, WestJet will add one flight to Halifax from Calgary for a total of 15 weekly flights.

“We look forward to working with WestJet to launch this exciting new long-haul route, which will further enhance Gatwick’s position as the world’s busiest departure airport for low-cost, long-haul services,” said Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer, Gatwick Airport.

“Halifax has lots to offer visitors from the UK, with its rich maritime history, year-round festivals and buoyant nightlife making it a must-visit global city.

“With Halifax also being one of Canada’s main economic hubs, these new flights will provide an important link between the two countries’ business communities at a time when worldwide connections are vital for the UK.”

WestJet currently serves 16 cities from the Halifax International Airport, up from six in 2013, including ten Canadian, two transborder, one international and three European destinations; at peak summer schedule, the airline will operate more than 25 flights per week.

Since 2012, the airline’s traffic from Halifax has grown by more than 160 per cent.