WestJet Cargo Launches Daily Dreamliner Flights to Japan

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Key Takeaways

• WestJet Cargo launches daily Calgary–Tokyo Dreamliner flights starting March 30, 2025, with 22-tonne cargo capacity.
• Expanded codeshare with Japan Airlines enables single-ticket bookings and baggage transfers to Osaka and Nagoya.
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner improves fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and supports 60% cargo revenue growth in 2024.

WestJet Cargo Expands Japan Service with Daily Dreamliner Flights: What It Means for Shippers, Travelers, and the Canadian Economy

WestJet Cargo has announced a major expansion of its Japan service, launching daily, year-round flights between Calgary and Tokyo Narita International Airport using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This move, effective from March 30, 2025, for the summer schedule and continuing through the winter starting October 27, 2025, marks a significant step forward for both cargo and passenger travel between Canada 🇨🇦 and Japan 🇯🇵. The announcement, made public on April 7, 2025, and confirmed with the latest updates as of May 27, 2025, signals WestJet’s commitment to strengthening transpacific connections and supporting economic growth.

WestJet Cargo Launches Daily Dreamliner Flights to Japan

Let’s break down what this means, who benefits, and how these changes will impact shippers, travelers, and the broader Canadian economy.

What’s Changing: Daily Dreamliner Flights and Expanded Cargo Capacity

Who: WestJet Cargo, the cargo division of WestJet, one of Canada’s leading airlines.

What: Launch of daily, year-round flights between Calgary and Tokyo Narita International Airport, operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

When:
– Summer schedule starts March 30, 2025
– Winter schedule starts October 27, 2025

Where:
– Route: Calgary (Canada 🇨🇦) – Tokyo Narita International Airport (Japan 🇯🇵)

Why:
– To meet growing demand for cargo and passenger travel between Canada and Japan
– To support Canadian exporters, travelers, and the regional economy

How:
– By using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which offers both high passenger capacity and significant belly cargo space

Key Details and Numbers

Daily, year-round service: No more seasonal gaps—flights operate every day, all year.
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency and comfort.
Cargo capacity per flight: Up to 22 tonnes (about 48,500 pounds) and 80 cubic meters of belly cargo.
Passenger capacity per flight: Up to 320 guests.
Codeshare expansion: WestJet has expanded its partnership with Japan Airlines, allowing travelers to book single tickets and enjoy seamless baggage transfers to cities like Osaka (Itami) and Nagoya.
Freighter fleet phase-out: WestJet is moving away from dedicated cargo planes, focusing instead on using the cargo space in its passenger aircraft, especially the Dreamliner.

Why This Matters: Impacts on Shippers, Travelers, and the Economy

For Shippers: More Space, More Reliability

Canadian businesses that export goods to Japan and Asia will see big benefits:

More cargo space: With 22 tonnes of capacity per flight, there’s more room for goods like fresh food, electronics, and online shopping packages.
Daily service: Shippers can count on regular, reliable flights, making it easier to send time-sensitive goods.
Better digital tools: WestJet Cargo has improved its online booking and tracking systems, working with platforms like cargo.one and cargoAI. This makes it easier for businesses to book space and track shipments in real time.
Special cargo options: The Dreamliner can handle a wide range of cargo, including perishables and live animals (through WestJet’s Pet’Air service).

How to Book Cargo with WestJet Cargo:

Go to the WestJet Cargo website or use digital freight platforms like cargo.one or cargoAI.
Select your route and date (Calgary–Tokyo Narita).
Enter your cargo details: weight, size, and any special needs.
Confirm and pay: Complete your booking and get tracking details.
Track your shipment: Use the online system to see where your cargo is at any time.

For more information or to start a booking, visit the official WestJet Cargo website.

For Passengers: More Choices and Smoother Connections

Travelers between Canada 🇨🇦 and Japan 🇯🇵 will also benefit:

More flights: Daily service means more flexibility for planning trips.
Seamless connections: Thanks to the expanded codeshare with Japan Airlines, travelers can book a single ticket from Canada to cities like Osaka or Nagoya, with baggage transferred automatically.
Comfortable travel: The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers three cabin classes, in-seat power, and advanced entertainment systems.
WestJet Dollars: Passengers can earn WestJet Dollars on codeshare flights, making travel more rewarding.

For Western Canada: Stronger Economic and Tourism Links

This expansion is especially important for Western Canada:

Boosts exports: More cargo space helps Canadian businesses reach Asian markets.
Supports tourism: Easier travel encourages more visitors from Japan and Asia.
Drives regional growth: More flights mean more jobs and economic activity in Calgary and the surrounding region.

John Weatherill, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Today’s announcement of our expansion to daily year-round service between Calgary and Tokyo further reaffirms our commitment to bolstering Canadians’ access to Asia.”

Codeshare Expansion: What It Means for Travelers

WestJet’s partnership with Japan Airlines is a key part of this expansion. A codeshare is when two airlines share the same flight, letting passengers book with either airline and enjoy shared benefits.

What’s new:

More destinations: Travelers can now connect from Tokyo Narita to Osaka (Itami) and Nagoya on a single ticket.
Easy baggage transfers: Bags are checked through to the final destination.
Earn rewards: Passengers can collect WestJet Dollars on these flights.

This makes travel within Japan much easier for Canadians and visitors from other countries.

Why the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner?

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. Here’s why it’s important for this route:

Fuel efficiency: Uses about 25% less fuel per passenger than similar planes, helping WestJet meet its environmental goals.
Large cargo hold: Offers up to 22 tonnes of belly cargo space, making it ideal for carrying goods as well as passengers.
Comfort: Features larger windows, quieter cabins, and advanced air filtration for a better passenger experience.

Kirsten de Bruijn, departing Executive Vice President of Cargo, noted, “WestJet’s belly cargo business has emerged as a key driver of success for WestJet Cargo, with a 60 per cent year-over-year increase in revenue.”

Industry Trends: Why Focus on Belly Cargo?

WestJet’s decision to phase out dedicated cargo planes and focus on belly cargo (the space under the passenger cabin used for freight) follows a global trend. Airlines are finding that using the cargo space in passenger planes is:

More efficient: No need to operate separate cargo-only flights.
Better for the environment: Fewer flights mean less fuel used and lower emissions.
Flexible: Airlines can adjust quickly to changes in demand.

Julius Mooney, Director of Commercial Cargo, said, “Supported by a strong logistics and operations team, WestJet Cargo is poised to continue its successful growth in the competitive belly cargo sector.”

How This Affects Canadian and Japanese Businesses

The daily Dreamliner service is expected to:

Improve supply chain reliability: Daily flights mean less waiting and more predictable delivery times.
Reduce transit times: Faster, more frequent flights help businesses move goods quickly.
Support e-commerce: With more people shopping online, the need for fast, reliable shipping between Canada and Asia is growing.

Industry analysts say this move puts WestJet Cargo in a strong position to compete with other global airlines on long-haul routes.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

WestJet first launched the Calgary–Tokyo Narita route in 2023 as a seasonal service. The route performed well, leading to increased frequency and, now, year-round daily flights. The cargo division has seen rapid growth, with a 60% increase in belly cargo revenue in 2024, driven by strong demand on transpacific routes.

In 2025, WestJet’s integration with Sunwing expanded its fleet to nearly 200 aircraft, broadening its reach and making it possible to offer more international flights.

Booking Cargo: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a business or individual looking to ship goods between Canada and Japan, here’s how you can use WestJet Cargo’s new service:

Visit the WestJet Cargo website or use digital platforms like cargo.one or cargoAI.
Choose your route and date: Select Calgary–Tokyo Narita.
Enter cargo details: Provide weight, size, and any special needs (like refrigeration or live animals).
Complete booking and payment: Get a confirmation and tracking number.
Track your shipment: Use the online system to follow your cargo’s journey.

For official information on importing and exporting goods between Canada and Japan, you can also visit the Canada Border Services Agency, which provides up-to-date rules and procedures for cross-border shipments.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for WestJet Cargo?

WestJet Cargo’s growth is expected to continue as more Dreamliners join the fleet and digital tools make booking and tracking even easier. The airline’s focus on sustainability, using fuel-efficient aircraft, also supports its long-term goals.

Possible future developments:

More routes: Success on the Calgary–Tokyo route could lead to new flights to other Asian cities.
Better digital services: Continued investment in online booking and tracking will make shipping even easier.
Sustainability efforts: The Dreamliner’s lower fuel use helps reduce the airline’s environmental impact.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, WestJet Cargo’s strategy of focusing on belly cargo and digital innovation positions it well for future growth in the competitive transpacific market.

Stakeholder Perspectives: What Are People Saying?

Shippers and freight forwarders: Welcome the increased capacity and reliability, which help them serve customers better.
Travelers: Appreciate more flight options and easier connections within Japan.
WestJet leadership: See the move as a smart response to strong market demand and a way to use the Dreamliner’s strengths.
Industry analysts: Note that the shift to belly cargo matches global trends and supports both efficiency and sustainability.

Practical Takeaways: What Should You Do Next?

Shippers: Start planning to use the new daily service for your exports or imports. Take advantage of the improved digital booking and tracking tools.
Travelers: Look for more flight options and easier connections to cities across Japan.
Businesses: Explore new opportunities for trade and tourism between Canada and Asia.
Anyone interested in air cargo or travel: Keep an eye on WestJet Cargo’s website and official news sources for the latest updates.

Official Resources and Contact Information

WestJet Cargo Website: westjetcargo.com
Customer Service: Contact details and support channels are available on the official website.
Media and Press Releases: Latest updates can be found in the WestJet Media Room and Newswire.

For official government information on customs, importing, and exporting, visit the Canada Border Services Agency.

Conclusion

WestJet Cargo’s move to daily, year-round Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights between Calgary and Tokyo Narita International Airport is a big win for shippers, travelers, and the Canadian economy. With more cargo space, better digital tools, and expanded codeshare connections, the airline is making it easier than ever to move goods and people between Canada 🇨🇦 and Japan 🇯🇵. As WestJet continues to grow and invest in new technology and sustainability, the future looks bright for transpacific trade and travel.

Whether you’re a business looking to ship products, a traveler planning a trip, or someone interested in the future of air cargo, these changes offer new opportunities and greater convenience. Stay informed by checking official resources and consider how you can benefit from WestJet Cargo’s expanded service.

Learn Today

WestJet Cargo → The cargo division of WestJet airline, specializing in air freight services between Canada and international destinations.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft used for long-haul flights with increased cargo and passenger capacity.
Codeshare → A partnership where two airlines share the same flight, allowing passengers booking flexibility and baggage transfers.
Belly Cargo → Cargo space located under passenger seats used to transport freight on passenger flights.
Cargo.one → An online digital platform that enables booking and managing air freight shipments globally.

This Article in a Nutshell

WestJet Cargo begins daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights from Calgary to Tokyo starting March 2025. This service offers 22 tonnes of cargo capacity and enhanced passenger options through expanded Japan Airlines codeshare, boosting Canada-Japan trade and travel connections significantly year-round.
— By VisaVerge.com