WestJet Launches 7+ Hour 737 MAX 8 Transatlantic Flight to Amsterdam
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WestJet has officially inaugurated service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), marking the airline’s return to the Netherlands and the debut of another transatlantic route using the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
A First for Halifax–Amsterdam
The Canadian carrier will now operate six weekly nonstop flights between Halifax and Amsterdam using its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The service marks the first nonstop connection between the two cities, filling a crucial gap in transatlantic connectivity out of Nova Scotia.
WestJet’s 737 MAX 8 will make the 3,041-mile (4,894 km) westbound journey from Amsterdam in 7 hours and 21 minutes, while the eastbound leg from Halifax is scheduled for 6 hours and 15 minutes.
“This new service opens the door for record growth in Nova Scotia,” said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs.
MAXimizing the Atlantic With the 737
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is enabling WestJet to operate long-haul flights more efficiently. With a range of 3,500+ nautical miles, the MAX 8 extends its capability significantly beyond its predecessor, the 737NG. Enhanced winglets, lower fuel consumption, and a 14% reduction in CO₂ emissions have made the MAX 8 ideal for thinner transatlantic routes.
WestJet has continued to expand its MAX fleet, including three new aircraft delivered last September through a partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital.
“These Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will allow WestJet to further grow their network and continue to serve their guests with affordable air travel options,” said Barry Flannery, SMBC Chief Commercial Officer.
Reviving and Expanding the Transatlantic Network
WestJet’s European ambitions began rebuilding in 2020 following the pandemic-driven pause in long-haul flying. The airline initially restarted transatlantic service from Calgary (YYC) using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, but is now expanding its reach from Eastern Canada with the 737 MAX.
With the new Halifax–Amsterdam route, WestJet has increased its total transatlantic seat capacity by 97%, according to the airline. The flight also adds momentum to WestJet’s growing codeshare relationships, including with Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The partnership provides travelers access to 59 European destinations through seamless connections and WestJet Rewards earning opportunities.
Summer 2025: WestJet’s Busiest Transatlantic Schedule from Halifax
Alongside Amsterdam, WestJet will also offer service from Halifax to:
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Paris
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London
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Dublin
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Edinburgh
This marks WestJet’s most robust European summer schedule to date from Eastern Canada. The airline’s Halifax hub is quickly transforming into a strategic transatlantic gateway, especially for leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) markets.
With the latest launch, WestJet continues to lean into fuel-efficient narrowbodies for point-to-point international flying — a strategy that sets it apart among North American carriers, especially as long-haul demand returns.
Bottom Line
WestJet’s new Halifax–Amsterdam flight exemplifies how modern aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX 8 are reshaping long-haul travel options for mid-size markets. With six weekly flights and strong connections through its partnership with KLM, WestJet is positioning Halifax as a major bridge to Europe in the summer of 2025.
