WestJet extends sales to handle Harmony fliers

Word that Harmony Airways will cease scheduled service soon has prompted discount airline WestJet to extend its existing seat sales on some key leisure routes.

Harmony will axe Toronto (YYZ) flights at the end of today (Friday, March 30). All other scheduled service stops on Monday, April 9.

Specifically, WestJet is extending sales to Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), and Las Vegas (LAS). These discount airfares are subject to availability, and WestJet will decide - on a day-to-day basis - whether to further extend the deals.

Recently, the discount airline announced that it will increase Vancouver (YVR) to Las Vegas flights until April 28. That will help fill the vaccum created by Harmony's exit.

WestJet began flying from the Canadian Mainland to Hawaii in December 2005.

Despite the departure of Harmony from the scheduled scene, WestJet contends that it will "maintain its low-cost model". "We believe the makeup of the Canadian airline industry is extremely viable for two strong national competitors,” asserts Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President for Guest Experience and Marketing. One of those airlines is WestJet. The other is Air Canada, which has made an extraordinary comeback in recent years in terms of service and route expansion.

Airline industry observers believe it is tough for three airlines to compete successfully in Canada, given the country's small population pool, at least in comparison to the United States.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler