WestJet secures Brazilian approval for seasonal Calgary-São Paulo route
Brazilian regulator ANAC has granted final clearance to WestJet to inaugurate scheduled passenger and cargo flights from Calgary to São Paulo-Guarulhos using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) published Resolution No. 20,129/2026 on October 7, 2026, granting WestJet definitive authorization to conduct scheduled passenger and cargo operations in the country. This regulatory step follows an initial permit secured by the Canadian carrier in May.
WestJet plans to deploy its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet on a nonstop seasonal link connecting Calgary to São Paulo–Guarulhos. Flights are scheduled to run from December 15, 2026, through February 14, 2027, addressing travel demand during the southern hemisphere's summer peak.
With this new long-haul route, WestJet becomes the third Canadian operator serving the Brazilian market, alongside Air Canada and Air Transat. The carrier, originally established by David Neeleman—who also launched Azul, Breeze Airways, and JetBlue Airways—will introduce direct scheduled connectivity between Western Canada and Brazil.
Why it matters for your training
The addition of intercontinental widebody routes introduces new long-haul sectors and seasonal operational considerations for crews flying the Boeing 787.
Sources
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