The first direct flight from Cape Breton to Alberta will take-off this spring.

WestJet is adding Sydney to Calgary flights starting in June.

Myles Tuttle is the CEO of the Sydney Airport Authority and says it will cut down on travel time for many working out west.

“We are overjoyed to welcome WestJet back to the McCurdy Sydney Airport with their new Calgary route – a connection we’ve been eager to establish for our community. This new connection holds significant value for Cape Breton, especially for those residents who work rotationally in other provinces and travel regularly across the county to be with their loved ones.”

The flights will be offered twice a day until mid-October.

“It is a milestone in the community, marking the first ever nonstop service between Cape Breton and Western Canada.” said Andy Gibbons, WestJet, Vice-President, External Affairs. “The addition of this route will not only provide long-desired direct access to Alberta, but it connects Cape Bretoners to WestJet’s global hub, providing access to destinations world-wide.”