WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has signed a new interline agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), set to significantly boost travel options across the North Atlantic. Effective later this month, this partnership allows passengers to easily book combined itineraries, creating more seamless connections between Canada and the Nordic region. The deal lays the groundwork for a future codeshare agreement, signaling deeper collaboration ahead.
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- WestJet and SAS have finalized an interline agreement to improve transatlantic travel.
- The partnership starts end of June 2025, with tickets available from June 26th.
- Passengers gain access to more destinations via single-ticket bookings.
- WestJet customers can connect to almost 30 Nordic cities via SAS’s Toronto-Copenhagen route.
- SAS passengers benefit from easier access to multiple Canadian cities.
- Both airlines plan to expand the partnership into a codeshare in the near future.
Boosting Transatlantic Access Through Interline
The interline agreement allows WestJet and SAS to sell tickets for flights operated by the other airline under a single booking reference. This is particularly valuable for passengers needing connecting flights, as it simplifies the booking process and provides protection in case of delays or missed connections.
While WestJet already operates its own transatlantic network using Boeing 737 MAX and 787 aircraft, this partnership leverages SAS’s extensive reach in Scandinavia. Similarly, SAS can tap into WestJet’s broad Canadian domestic network to offer European travelers easier access to cities beyond Toronto.
WestJet Boeing 787 Dreamliner at gate
The agreement was finalized by executives from both airlines at the IATA AGM in Delhi, India, underlining its strategic importance for both carriers.
Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, commented on the deal, stating, “This partnership lays the foundation for a long-term collaboration that will benefit travelers on both sides of the Atlantic. Together with WestJet, we’re not only connecting Scandinavia with more destinations across Canada – we’re also opening up new ways to reach Europe from key Canadian cities.”
Expanding Travel Options: Canada to the Nordics and Beyond
A major benefit for WestJet passengers is enhanced connectivity to Scandinavia. Through SAS’s direct flight between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH), WestJet customers flying from other Canadian cities can now book seamless, single-ticket travel onwards to numerous destinations in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
This includes access to cities like Oslo, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Luleå, and Malmö. For instance, a WestJet passenger flying from Calgary could book a single ticket connecting through Toronto onto SAS for a final destination in Norway.
SAS Airbus A350 landing against a cityscape
The flexibility extends to WestJet passengers traveling to other European hubs served by both airlines, such as London Heathrow (LHR), allowing for easier connections onto SAS’s European network.
Conversely, the agreement benefits SAS passengers traveling from Europe to Canada. They will be able to book convenient one-ticket journeys to key Canadian cities served by WestJet’s network, including Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, via connection points like Toronto.
For more on WestJet’s transatlantic services, see WestJet Inaugurates 7h 20m Transatlantic Boeing 737 MAX 8 Flight.
Current Transatlantic Footprint
Analyzing current operations provides context for the significance of this partnership. Data for June 2025 from Cirium shows both airlines have a substantial, though slightly different, presence on North Atlantic routes.
| Flights Between North America & Europe In June 2025 – Both Directions (per Cirium) |
|---|
| Airline |
| SAS |
| WestJet |
WestJet’s transatlantic schedule for June 2025 includes 661 flights, primarily utilizing its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft (405 flights) alongside the larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (256 flights). Routes like Edinburgh and Dublin to Toronto see slightly more than daily service on average.
WestJet Boeing 737 MAX in flight
SAS operates more transatlantic flights (732) and offers more seats in June 2025. Their operation is heavily weighted towards widebody aircraft, with the Airbus A330-300 (392 flights) and A350-900 (164 flights) accounting for 76% of their North American services. The remaining flights are operated by Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft (176 flights combined), often on routes to the US East Coast or Canada. SAS’s transatlantic routes generally feature a maximum of daily frequencies.
WestJet Boeing 737 MAX 8 at the gate
SAS Airbus A321neo on the runway
The interline agreement creates immediate value by connecting these existing networks, offering passengers a much wider array of city pairings that weren’t previously available on a single ticket.
Outlook: Paving the Way for Codeshare
Both airlines have clearly stated their intention to deepen this partnership by moving towards a codeshare agreement in the coming months. A codeshare allows airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights under their own flight numbers. This offers an even more integrated experience for passengers, including potentially smoother baggage handling and loyalty program benefits across both carriers.
This strategic move could significantly enhance the competitiveness of both WestJet and SAS on transatlantic routes, particularly those connecting Canada and Scandinavia. It represents a logical step for two carriers seeking to expand their reach without adding significant capacity independently, instead leveraging each other’s network strengths. The transition from interline to codeshare suggests a strong commitment to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship aimed at improving the transatlantic travel experience for their respective passengers.
Stay updated on airline partnerships and market developments by exploring our Aviation News section.
