I Flew WestJet's INAUGURAL Flight to Seoul!
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- Опубликовано: 18 май 2024
- On May 17th, 2024, WestJet inaugurated flights between Calgary, Canada, and Seoul, South Korea! This is the airline's second ever route to Asia, operating 3x weekly on their flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Predictably, yes, I booked the flight and got to fly on what is now WestJet's longest flight in their network!
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: WestJet (WJA/WS)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (B789)
Flight Number: WS86
Seat: 26A (Economy Class)
Livery: Standard
Engines: 2x General Electric GEnx-1B
Registration: C-GYRS
Route: Calgary (YYC) - Seoul-Incheon (ICN)
Callsign: WESTJET 86 heavy
Runway used: 35R (YYC) - 16R (ICN)
Date filmed: May 2024
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Outro song - "Take Flight" by Nyhtian: • Nyhtian - Take Flight ...
© Alex Praglowski Aviation 2024
This video is the property of Alex Praglowski Aviation and may not be used for any purpose without prior permission. Contact me at the email in the "About" section of my channel for usage.
Of course you did lol. Shame you weren’t on the right side, I was spotting your flight and you would have seen me!
To be honest, never expected I would see my home airport in this channel
WHERE ARE THE REPLIES
We are in trouble trying to run this 787 schedule with 7 airplanes
Pretty sure a 787 was also out as I saw one parked on the apron for about a week or so.
They should probably wetlease 767s or a330s for Europe
That’s what makes me concerned as i would usually have a onward connection to Vietnam via Seoul or NRT. One 787 out of service or having technical issues would ripple across the board
Was a terrible idea to drop the last part of the order. Need to get some of those things for sure.
Shoulda got those remaining 787s. The person responsible should loose their job because of it
as a Calgarian but an Air Canada frequent flyer, Alex - this flight option is much better than having to fly to Vancouver to connect for a flight to East Asia like Seoul.
Westjet has been shifting their image over the last few years but alot of things to be improved still in their service, let's be real here.
Flying out of Canada is an expensive endeavor so this offering is welcomed as it makes the competition tighter & we Calgarians benefit.
3x a week is great and will be a consideration for many!
Honestly I am from Toronto and personally, I would do a layover in Calgary for flying to Seoul or Tokyo over flying direct, I have always prefered WestJet and their 787 is stunning! Usally you can fly premium economy on WestJet for the price of flying economy on Air Canada when flying to Seoul or Tokyo
Great video! My husband’s best friend was the pilot for that inaugural flight. In the ribbon cutting he’s the distinguished gentleman on the far left. We flew the 787 to Tokyo with our kids last month and I’m so grateful we did not experience any delays!
Apparently, WestJet struggles to use the Dreamliners during the winter, since many of the routes they fly with the Dreamliners are summer seasonal, and the routes that the Dreamliner operate during the winter (save for London, Paris, and now Tokyo) can easily be reached with a 737, so the 787s are mostly just used for extra capacity.
You are correct. Also because they’ve used the 87s to fly shorter routes than they’re designed for they’ve gone through a ton of cycles and have caused the aircraft to depreciate causing a huge additional loss in value. In addition to that the Q400s Westjet flies makes the 787s profitable due to using Calgary for the hub and spoke model for Western Canada, however due to the industry having a big shortage of qualified pilots, very few Qs are flying these days making the 787s much worse than just focusing on more point to point flying with the 737s hence why Westjet probably decided it was feasible to cancel the 787 orders. I do hope they fix these issues because we need more Canadian international carriers.
I went to Korea for the first time 2 years ago and I really enjoyed myself. I hope you get to visit the Han River in the centre of Seoul. It’s beautiful and very tranquil despite being in the middle of the city, because boats are legally not allowed to use it. It’s very much a recreational water body. Sitting down at the riverside parks with a warm drink and snack, was one of the most relaxing experiences I ever had. Hope to see more from this Asian adventure you’re embarking on, it’s nice to see you venturing further and taking us along!
Differing that 787 order was a HUGE shortsighted mistake. Given the huge demand for intercontinental travel now.
It's crazy they had the airplanes already painted in Westjet livery and turned them down! That must have cost them some refusal fee because Boeing would have to repaint them to sell them.
*Deferring. And yes, it was a huge mistake, with the benefit of hindsight.
@@marcusdambergerDon’t believe there was a fee. The 787 had some production issues causing delays and Boeing couldn’t fulfil their delivery commitment. On the plus side for WestJet, those 3 787 orders were converted into MAX orders as WJ is prioritizing their NB fleet expansion. I doubt WJ will keep a fleet of just 7 787’s as the demand is definitely there and the 787 routes have become profitable. They also have routes that could use a 787. For example, they’re flying YYC-DUB in a MAX 8🫤. Completely capable aircraft, don’t think it’s the most comfortable for almost 8 hours.
The thought that there are two more Dreamliners sitting in the desert, assembled and painted and fitted and ready to go, brings great sadness.
Smameful😢
Wouldn’t they just have delivered to another airline pending 787s and repaint?
Nope… They are all gone. 2 were taken by Air Canada (you’re welcome😑) the last one was seen flying over the heritage classic golf tournament in N Carolina last month. It’s owned by another owner but not painted yet…
@@wadepearson4091 two 787s dreamliner were taken by air canada? what the hell? what happened?
A few years ago i flew from San Francisco to Seoul with the US Air Force....we flew to Japan, then on to Seoul...maybe 12 hours...i do remember we had 3 meals to Japan...this was on commercial contracted airline...Thanks for the memories ....great flight...glad your legs were happy too....🤩🤩
I cant fly anymore so I thank for these spectacular videos. That trip above the mountains and reveal of South Korean coast.
Welcome to Korea! I hope you enjoyed Seoul
🇰🇷❤🇨🇦
787 fleet is going to have a rough summer, on may 2nd we flew to rome and our flight was delayed by 2 hours, our initial plane had to be swapped for a different one and luckily they had another dreamliner in the hangar, otherwise our flight would’ve been cancelled. I’m not sure how they are expecting to run like this.
I'm flying out to Korea tomorrow, from Vancouver, for my first visit. I hope you had a great trip!
Great video! Support from Vancouver!
Great video as always! 😊 Keep up the great work!
Beautiful photography. Thank you.
Amazing trip report - thoroughly enjoyed
Man this was awesome! Your videos get better every time!
The way how Alexis scrapped the remaining 787 deliveries and deliberately curtailing the airline's previously impressive growth, really shows that he is probably the worst airline CEO that the industry has ever had, on par with the level of Dennis Muilenburg as the worst aircraft manufacturer CEO. I'm surprised the WestJet CEO still doesn't receive the same amount of outrage that he deserves.
That because all the hate gets reserved for AC. Especially from Albertans who somehow still think AC is own by those eastern a**hole in Ottawa and Trudeau. WestJet is morphing into CPair 2
The guy did a terrible job here at Austrian Airlines as well. Hope he leaves for greener pastures sooner rather than later.
@@hed0rizer failing up. It is the capitalist way
The Austrian elf has made WestJet unrecognizable. This is not the WestJet I remember from a decade ago.
Goes to show how the little-boys-club of CEOs has more to do with connections and self-aggrandizing than actual business talent.
Alex, the quality of production just keeps getting better and better. Keep it up.
So true for spreading the butter is to put it on top of your hot meal before you open it, placing it on there for a minute or two should melt the butter
Came here to say this lol 👍🏻
Thanks my fellow Canadian
wow!! I am also going to my hometown country, Korea with westjet, on June 7th! Previously, I enjoyed your video about going to Narita, but this time you are going to Korea! Have a great time in Korea!🎉
Thank you very much! I fly between Canada and Korea regularly so this is wonderful news
Great information and well presented.
I had been keeping an eye on this flight and was wondering if you’d be on it 😂 Great job as always! As a fellow Albertan, I’m always excited when our province is connected to new countries.
Thanks for this video !
Once again, Alex doesn’t fail to make a fabulous video, great job❤!
From one Canadian to another.........great video Alex!
This was yet another amazing video, wanted to treat you with this so you can try another WestJet long haul flight in business next time.
Yes, because those flights only cost two dollars
lol@@pottah2
Alex, awesome content, editing, script, as always.
I was thinking of another little trick to enhance your shots:
The shot at 5:38 to 5:44, I film it in reverse so that I don't hassle with the camera not focusing on the airplane (outside the tiny window). First, I place my camera next to the window and wait for it to focus on the fuselage, then do a pan to the right to capture the engine and as far out to the wing, then I move the camera away and walk a few steps back.
Then in editing, I play it in reverse.
That will bring you a really nice shot/memory of your trip.
Keep it up!👍👍
Always looking forward to your next adventure/vlogs.
Great sync takeoff roll video!
Great video! Welcome to the wonderful world of LATEjet!
Great video of WestJet's inaugural flight to ICN! The food looked quite good, despite the small portion. I am heading to NRT later this year on Air Canada and I booked seat 18H for the extensive legroom. I contemplated premium economy but opted for a preferred seat in economy. While I am not quite your height I do appreciate extra legroom on long haul flights. Well done, Alex!
I was hoping you'd make this video!!
Great review! I would love to have you add your flight cost for your flights. Also, impressive turn around on the video edit! Keep up the great work.
Welcome to Korea Westjet!!
Great to see you could get on the inaugural flight! It's unfortunate that they couldn't manage an on-time departure for an inaugural flight due to aircraft availability. This is not a good sign.
Yay! Another video, sorry to say though, but I am booked on AC for all of my flights this summer.
Been holding my breath for YYC-SYD ever since WJA picked up the Dreamliners. Still hoping! Thanks for the great video!
Great vid. That was a long flight.
That 787 wing view is amazing!
Very well made! Calgary proud
Loved how you edited the descent sequence of shots to the music beats. Great video as always Alex. I was sincerely interested in whether they fed you a meal or not on such a long flight in economy...
Doo lay low may chow high!!! Happy new year!!!
Thank you for your quality videos. If I can, I fly WestJet up to Canada. I have a fondness for them.
An Inaugural flight from Calgary you know Alex's is on it, keep up the good vids, and yeah They probably could use a few more planes, for there optimistic plans
Great vlog and comentarios 🛫
I love the 787 Westjet has. I fly YYC to CDG on it quite often.
My employment took me to SEL any number of times over the years and I was truly amazed at what a modern city SEL was. Hope to go back again one day.
meal with an incredible view of the mountains 😍
Thank you for sharing a nice long-haul trip here. Yes, I see you had the Exit Door seating for leg room is very nice for us tall guys and women. The meals looked cute here. I hope the beef meal was good for you. Did the crew have extra snacks set up in one of the galleries? Also, you are right you have to fight with people who may stand there in front if the Exit Doors. I have done that soo many times in the past that I just go on and use membership points for the upgrade to Business Class. I hope you did not have to much of a fight passengers standing in front of you.😊
Hey! That’s me on the Loader @ 4:00 🫡
I appreciate your disclosure on the upgrade for the lounge access and how they don't get to see the video before us as an audience. Right now there is a LUMIX S9 drama crap show going down over influencers disclosures and getting free trips and cameras. Crazy how it's going down right now.
There are other new routes you can try on this season! Enjoy those trips.
Had the exact same meal on my flight to FCO Rome last weekend. 😂 Can't wait to get on one of these flights out to Seoul! Love the content
I love the Split View Alex please
Do morning those shots !!!!!!
No matter what, they need more 787/777 if they are looking to expand the long haul international destinations.. There is a lot of potential for Asian destinations from YYC like Dubai, New Delhi,Beijing, Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong
I love that they serve Korean food and you choose to eat Korean food before you go to Korea
I was tracking that flight that very day!!!
flying from YYZ to NRT in September ! my first time flying WESTJET to Asia. Obviously, stopping at YYC and I have never been there! kind of excited about that. hahaha.....
One of the things I look forward to when flying internationally( and domestic if food is even offered) is the food service. Being wined and dined at 35,000' is a real treat, at least, for me but when I see reviews such as this one, I find that food offered just isn't what it used to be. So, a review like this is disappointing when comparing food service now to when I flew. Not only from the standpoint of quality but quantity and selection of different foods, the little extras offered on your tray mean a great deal. I understand it is a sign of the times but to put your food in boxes just takes away the glamour of flying. Thanks for your review and I hope you had a fun time in Seoul! Take care!
Welcome to Seoul!
Hey Alex it would be cool if you went on one of those mystery flights
Great video as per usual, Alex!
Really hoping for DXB next from WS.
Desperately need YYC-DXB but idk if they can introduce that with the current small fleet of 787s.
@@shawkywy1683 WS got the landing right at DXB over a year ago. But yes, I agree; they need more 787s. They may even need a 777-200lr for that route. If it does happen I think it will be twice weekly, three at the most.
@@MrJonsied i don’t see them leasing a 777 unfortunately. don’t see why they cant introduce a seasonal service in the winter, when the 787 fleet is a bit less relied on.
I was looking forward to you uploading this video! Great job Alex! Wish I could come say hello to you on the inaugural flight but I ended up working that day. Maybe next time in YYC! Btw im the one who brought back FOEN from Muskoka 😊
Hey Alex I was expecting this video from you as you already told in your previous videos
waw....happy spotting mister
I am excited about this route as Calgary offers flights to Brandon, MB. Hopefully, as I haven’t researched this yet, I can fly from Seoul to Calgary then on to Brandon without any issues. I am not holding my breath but it would be nice. Great video!
Great vid as usual. Thank you Alex. Additional fact: this route (along w/ the YYCNRT) is a "big plus" for Chinese travellers. Direct flights btw Canada and China are quite limited or zero if your destination is other than YVR/YYZ. Hope to see more YYC-Asia routes.
Hope you release a planespotting video in seoul.
Would love to see that!
this is my first time to watch ur video, 6'8 is more than 2 meter? I'm glad u got that exit row seat.
nice video, hopefully next will be direct flight to manila!
Brilliant video and review as always!! What camera equipment do you use for filming your videos please. Hope all is well, take care
26A is awesome, I sat there when flying to Tokyo and the legroom was incredible. The only thing I noticed is how noisy sitting that close to the door is compared to the rest of the cabin. Exit row thing I guess.
I think this CEO will be done soon. He canceled aircraft deliveries but then added routes. I really don't think he's right for Westjet. Westjet doesn't seem to have a direction under him.
Funny part is some say hes still flying as we speak!
Haha! Had a feeling you'd be on there
Very nice!
0:51 LMAO glad to see WestJet's top employees in good spirits!
7:42 "Don't forget to use sunscreen." - WestJet Sign.
Context?
I wonder if WestJet could fly to destinations like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok and maybe even Singapore too from Calgary!
I don't know about this but it would be cool if you could review Korean Air someday!
I just came back from Barcelona on WestJet. The flights are always delayed. They need to add more dreamliners or reduce the schedule.
I did the YYC-NRT route back in April in J, one of the best flight I have experienced. There is something about the 787 (and A350) that makes flying more enjoyable than 777 as I get older. (Now in my almost mid 40s)
Those more recent aircraft are noticeably quieter IMO, which helps a good deal.
Not if you are taller or wider than average. 777 configurations invariably have more seat width and legroom than 787 ones. 787 seat width is the worst.
That WestJet lounge kicks the ass of Maple Leaf Lounges
WestJet needs one in the international and another one in the US side.
YYC is the home base for WestJet.
Excellent video! I believe Tom Spreen was part of the flight crew on this flight, not sure if he was the Captain on this flight, but it looked like a great landing!
Great video. Really hoping to see Westjet expand their 787 fleet soon, it seems like it's a huge bottleneck.
Are you planning to capture the first Condor arrival of the year tomorrow? If I'm correct, it'll be the first Condor plane to visit Calgary with the new livery, and the first arrival since 2019!
HELL YEAH NEW TRIP REPORTTTT
Hi from Canada! 👋🇨🇦✌️
Did you see that condor flight leave calgary the other day? Doing that flight now in flight sim!
Very cool
Make sure ur on the Seattle to Toronto Alaska airline service.
that was a great landing tho. the landing was good on my flight to london on wj.
14:50 might have been japchae (unless if they specifically stated that it was a stirfry), its not a bad meal, its just for us koreans we eat as a side dish or appetizers 💀
Calgary to Seoul is a ways to go!
Hi Alex :D
Thanks for sharing! Hopefully Westjet gets one or two more 787 at least to give a little slack. It seems operationally its exactly as you say...spread too thin.
I wonder if the original 787s they were going to purchase are still sitting there? If they are I imagine that they might get a good deal on them. Boeing is having so much trouble that they might try and get the two remaining ones off their hands at a better rate because they're already branded
Cool! Will you be flying on any of the Fredericton -> Calgary flights that West Jet is starting this summer?
Welcome to South Korea and thank you for covering the inaugural flight of Calgary ~ Incheon on WestJet. I was so excited to hear of this new route as I am a Korean-Canadian myself and wanted to know how this went. As a newbie avgeek once again, thank you!❤