I Flew WestJet's INAUGURAL Flight to Tokyo!

Back in December last year, WestJet announced their first ever destination in Asia - Tokyo, Japan! Predictably, I kinda booked myself a ticket on that inaugural flight the same day.
The flight took place earlier this week, and it was certainly a memorable one for a few different reasons!
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: WestJet (WJA/WS)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (B789)
Flight Number: WS80
Seat: 8K (Premium)
Livery: New (2018)
Engines: 2x General Electric GEnx-1B
Registration: C-FAJA
Route: Calgary (YYC) - Tokyo (NRT)
Callsign: WESTJET 80 heavy
Runway used: 17L (YYC) - 16R (NRT)
Date filmed: April/May 2023
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Outro song - "Take Flight" by Nyhtian: • Nyhtian - Take Flight ...
© Alex Praglowski Aviation 2023
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.

[@jocelynritchie]

I was a Cabin Crew Member on the inaugural WS80. We hope you loved your experience flying Westjet, and had an amazing trip to Japan. We love our company and we love our Dreamliner! This flight was the most tracked in the world on April 30th.

[@itsmetl]

We’ll be flying flight WS80 soon, can you tell me if you’d recommend 5H/K or 8H/K?

[@brianfrobisher6203]

@@itsmetl I just flew the dreamliner 8k to Paris and 5k on the return. I found 5k much more comfortable with the extra leg room and slightly better seat recline.

[@Susan-xg7qn]

Westjet is possibly the worst Dreamliner I have flown.

[@itsmetl]

@@brianfrobisher6203 thank you!

[@user-pe3tt7iu7g]

Westjet got the best staff, glad a Calgary company is doing well

[@pta3407]

No fanfare and no management for such an inaugural service is a perfect illustration as to where WS's management has taken the company over the last few years.

[@cskvision]

In the wrong direction 🙄

[@tjnholmes]

The new Westjet in the hands of an investment firm. Not good changes.

[@kathrynstemler6331]

I mean Air Canada management is probably doing enough to drum up business for WestJet

[@grahamstevenson1740]

The 'product' is fine though, so they didn't do that badly ! I'm in the UK and see BA endlessly plumbing new depths of poor service. It was a damn good airline in the 1990s.

[@PSP92262]

WestJet is no longer the same airline that we flew for almost 30 years. Won't go into details, but management is so removed from day-to-day screw-ups and there's no way to even resolve issues. You call and get someone in a call centre with zero authority. Sad to say we've gone to back to Air Canada, as awful as they are, there are at least ways to have issues resolved. Screw WestJet.

[@yasa9997]

I am Japanese. The male flight attendant who made the in-flight announcement on the plane you boarded was probably a Japanese man and a popular KZbinr. I am a fan of his. I am very happy to be able to feel his success through your video. Thank you for filming it.

[@chanmei6737]

I am also Japanese I also realized that he is a very funny KZbinr this video was great thank you

[@kumiko155]

Here is his KZbin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZvIdGqhg62jotk

[@marionetteworks]

Do you have a link to one of this videos, maybe one referencing this flight?

[@WesNishi]

​@@marionetteworkskzbin.info/www/bejne/gZvIdGqhg62jotksi=4colB2NY3tMW_L0N

[@KuostA]

why would u make this comment without actually telling us who the youtuber is.............................?

[@Ampy8384]

As a Canadian who has been living in Korea for 13 years, I’m pumped that West Jet is now flying to Korea!

[@jasminejohnston6393]

WestJet quickly went from just a budget airline as a cheaper alternative Canadian airline to flag carrier Air Canada to being Canada’s second largest airline and now they offer flights in Boeing Dreamliners to freakin’ Japan!

[@gianfrancoa]

Also went from a good airline to a mediocre one in terms of service

[@ragabara1031]

​​@@gianfrancoa It took me several months to get a WestJet double charge on my credit card for an inflight meal to be refunded this year. They also had no coordination with a codeshared airline when connecting between domestic and international flights. Generally a poor experience during and even after my trip.

[@EpicThe112]

You are correct however Air Canada has an advantage is that in Japan you can simply transfer over All Nippon Airways flight due to both being Star Alliance Members. Basically Air Canada frequent flyer members can simply get a path to Star Alliance gold membership tier by using their AC mileage on NH Japan Domestic flights. Same way as my Father using TG Royal Orchid frequent-flier mileage on Air Canada cross-border flights. In the case of Air Canada YYC NRT that it might have started at Montréal Aéroport Pierre Trudeau AC005/AC006

[@redheads604]

the lack of fanfare for this inaugural flight is not that surprising considering WS has done a 180 on the company's direction. Yes, it's nice that WS is finally expanding to Asia but at the same time canceling the rest of the 787 orders means they've decided to cut down on their long haul service. Like you said, there will be times where all 7 of their 787s will be in the air at the same time. That leaves them zero margin for error in case of mechanical breakdowns. Tbh, I don't understand their direction.

[@afcgeo882]

I don’t think they do either.

[@johniii8147]

Yeah that's not gonna well operationally with no back ups. And they have indeed been all over the place with their strategy. They can't figure out who they want to be.

[@crispybacon420]

@@johniii8147 I'm confident they're going to ruin Sunwing.

[@barryhaley7430]

No doubt WestJet have lost focus. The schedule out it YYZ is much longer than AC on an already horribly long flight when direct.

[@benrgrogan]

Have they not learnt anything from their first summer of long haul? Sure those were old 767s and these are new 787s, but their flights were constantly delayed because they had no excess to help relieve late/broken planes.

[@kelvinc]

Wow I saw a plane spotter clip of this flight landing in NRT, but didn't imagine we'd get onboard footage already. Enjoy Japan! 🏯

[@zqfmbg]

In Japan, ground crew at airports, ferry terminals, and some train services wave and bow at departing vehicles. I wouldn't expect Calgary's crew to bow, but I think it's great that they waved. Though maybe they do this in general and I just haven't noticed since I haven't flown through Calgary in years.

[@schalitz1]

They probably waved since it was the inaugural flight.

[@tomservo9254]

It often goes even further than that, for the premium touring trains they'll often conscript bystanders on the platform to wave flags to welcome the train/see it off

[@spamble2001]

I believe it’s policy for the rampies to wave. It was when I worked the ramp years ago and when WS did the audits, they would mark us for if we waved or not.

[@dereksbooks]

In my experience, Calgarians are the nicest Canadians that I've met.

[@mighty_mulder4859]

Both an incredibly cool flight, and awesome you got the turn around done so quickly. Side note, being so tall in Japan must be a wild experience!

[@kevincusack5671]

Worked with a fellow who is 6-3. He bumped into a Japanese fellow that he had to look up at! That was 40 years ago, but even then the average heights were climbing.

[@user-pe3tt7iu7g]

The amount of times I hit my head getting out the shower in Japan was one too many.

[@sebsaviationyyc]

The day of this inaugural flight I saw this exact Dreamliner climbing over my house and turning northwest. I thought "Hey, that's a strange flight path for a WestJet 787 to be flying", and then I remembered it was their first flight to Tokyo! Little did I know that you were actually on it! Reminds me I gotta try their 787 business class at some point! Great video!

[@jem57098]

I fly YYC > LHR/ LGW frequently (Sometimes LHR>YYZ too) and Westjet is my favourite premium by far. Small touches like the separate cabin, table cloth during meals etc. I find Air Canada too sterile feeling, plus I’ve never had a bad crew with Westjet. I don’t get the choice and had no previous bias, but when work books me on WJ, I’m much happier.

[@piggy1698]

Wow so cool! I was actually on the inaugural WestJet flight that went from Narita Airport to Calgary. There were a bunch of Japanese reporters and Westjet staff taking pictures for the ceremony. It was a great spectacle.

[@lazersharkaviation]

Love seeing Westjet grow day by day!

[@ganderbot.1017]

Their workers are going on strike soon

[@shanewalker5015]

@@ganderbot.1017 Maybe, Nobody can predict the future. Its also one group of employees.

[@thekesz1049]

Growing lol...

[@Avi-on5jp]

You mean shrink and focus on YYC.

[@Gary_and_Linda]

It’s not growing when you take over Sunwing and then operate like they did.

[@wavemotionpilot6035]

That German CEO has got to change his strategy. It’s not by regrouping in Calgary that things will grow better! They need to reconquer YYZ. That is the prime gateway. A YYZ-NRT flight would be very well received. As well as many international flights out of there. They have to grow their 787 fleet. Especially with the competition from AC, Transat and new players in the industry. A comfortable 15 to 25 787 fleet would build a solid foundation.

[@mjohara2459]

Couldn’t have said it better. There’s enough room for 2 big players in YYZ. They need to make it happen. It’s baffling that they’ve pulled the Dreamliner out of yyz.

[@waterrl2]

Admittedly I don’t know much about aviation but I was at YYZ a couple days ago picking someone up from an international flight. It seemed like there were already two flights to Narita on a single day (Friday the 5th)- would there be enough demand for a third?

[@RafaySaleemVlogs]

I'm so glad that WestJet is expanding across Asia now! Thanks for the informative video dude

[@BG-qs4of]

Fantastic scenery for both the departure and arrival! Great video Alex! 👍

[@Zekeormoses]

Alex, always enjoy your videos. Have to say your editing skills and shots from the air are always a pleasure

[@airline_aviation12]

I'm pretty busy during the day. But when you upload I wait until night time to watch your videos, because I love to end the day with an amazing aviation video! Amazing job once again 👏

[@dj1steel820]

Love the trip reports Alex keep it up! Your content is amazing and you're my favourite youtuber!

[@ErickLofdahl]

Such a nice flight. I wish I could have arrived like this the first time going to Japan. You'll surely get a fresh start with a lot of great service and food.

[@400collector]

Great, great, GREAT report!! The meals looked fantastic. Excellent job, thanks for sharing!!

[@ammo2936]

I KNEW FOR A FACT this video was coming the second WestJet announced this route, great video as always Alex!

[@ryanbelden739]

Very good report n vlog love west jets color scheme look like a nice flight over n love the large n clear TV screens hope you have a great time in Tokyo

[@MLXaviation]

I Knew you would fly this route, i have been waiting for this video since the flight took place on April 30th and it's finally here!, thanks Alex for all this great content

[@Sydorrah]

Very great service onboard. With all the inaugural flights at an all time high worldwide I agree this one was very lackluster. Thanks for sharing

[@burntgrilledcheesie]

Wow great video! Food looks amazing. I hope you guys had a great trip!

[@weatherandsky]

Awww i was hoping to see a water canon salute🫡 after landing. I am glad you had such a great flight. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@jcran8352]

Good job! I appreciate your objective, yet positive perspective.

[@doncoleman4938]

Great video. Japan is our favourite destination for culture. So very different to any other country we've visited.

[@kayjenn5721]

Thanks for posting! I’m doing this flight in June 😊

[@curtbonnell4308]

I flew Premium Economy on Air Canada, Toronto to Narita a few years ago and it too was a wonderful flight. It is worth the extra $$$ on such a long flight. Tokyo is an amazing city.

[@Odontomango]

Very smooth landing, so cool to see that wing just *drops* when it lost the lift.

[@justinc7017]

Just got back last night from Japan on WS 81. 1.5h delay because of technical issues with boarding. Received food vouchers from West Jet. The West Jet counters in Tokyo were super slow. Overall, it was ok. Glad there is a new route to Japan!

[@TyNovakAviation]

Great video on your flight to Japan!

[@Flexflex744]

You are the only flight reviewer who always chooses an engine view. I love that 😊

[@colmcasey6596]

I’ve been waiting for this one! Nice one Alex, great vid

[@journeyswithj246]

Another great video. Enjoyable as always.

[@halberdierv2]

Nice to see that long haul trip! Enjoy Japan!

[@Callum4Eternity]

As a long time (lurking) viewer and channel member, this video is really really special to me. You're my favorite aviation creator, I live in Japan for University, and I miss Canada and the aviation back home- your videos give me such a warm feeling of being back “home” and to see both of these worlds that represent such a major part of my life collide in this inaugural WestJet video... Many emotions! Thank you for your great passion and videos Alex, you are amazing :) Back to lurking〜

[@stellarsjay1773]

Excellent report Alex.

[@flyingscalpel7]

Alex your videos bring me so much joy. These videos are amazing!

[@weath3rch4rt31]

How cool! It gives me an incentive to use WestJet as an option if I want to go to Japan in the future. WestJet only flies to my area seasonally, but it should not bother me too much!

[@SamualWalker]

I was in Japan at the time you flew to Japan. I was on Air Canada from YVR to NRT in economy and I flew back in Business Class. I am glad you visited Japan.

[@Mary_305]

Great content! I hope WJ has flights from US to Vancouver. Thanks for sharing

[@DeltaBravoTango]

Great video man! That looks like a greatly impressive array of food options for premium eco 😊

[@solomario9922]

This was an outstanding video Alex 10/10 an the music added was nice touch

[@AviationFin]

Nice video👍 Thanks for sharing Greetings from Helsinki ❄️ Finland

[@Snorlax_808]

Hope you had a great time in Japan!

[@AdvisorDanny]

Excellent video keep up the good work

[@twodimensionsjhr]

Cool to see you took the new WestJet flight to Tokyo. I am heading to Japan on ANA at the end of the month!

[@nawab-_-2530]

I knew you were going to be on this flight and I was eagerly wait for this video.

[@bbbl67]

13:40 Wow, look at that Dreamliner wing flop down once it touches ground!

[@GM-id9nu]

I have had Terri serve me on that flight, too. She is amazing!!

[@AndrewSephiTV]

I really hope they expand to South America as well. Being dependent on Air Canada and their high prices is not nice. The service looked surprisingly good, much better than the premium I get on Air Canada (in terms of food), the seats and leg space are the standard Premium Economy.

[@davidliu4441]

Will fly on the same flight on June 14 with families. Can't wait😊😊

[@BRTripReport]

Great video! It is very cute that they added Mochi ice-cream to their service to Japan.

[@ABCantonese]

11:49 Boy, imagine if those KitKats are Japanese. I know this is a Canadian airline, but they've put so much effort towards Japan into the flight already, and Japanese KitKats are awesome!!!

[@EpicThe112]

You are correct one way you can tell them from the US Canada version is the taste US Canada Sugar first and then milk, not seen in the Japanese version, which is milk first then sugar.

[@cameronarchibald7213]

Funny, when I flew on the first Porter E195 from Halifax to Toronto, they had lots of "fanfare" and gifts, even though it was a much smaller occasion. Sadly the flight ended up being cancelled, embarrassing for them after the fanfare.

[@williamboyer7987]

looool

[@harrisonhschan]

I was on the first E195 flight (YYZ/YOW) and they certainly had a lot more fanfare and goodies. While a single route is a lot less of an occasion... I expected more, seeing what neighbours down south do (E.g. UA)

[@kelsey7273]

I’m in YYC and terrified of flying but also love it. I just hate turbulence and usually take smaller flights so the planes feel it more. This 787 is like a dream!

[@abigalmclean844]

Another banger, great video Alex!

[@Peacewind152]

Lovely! I took a flight from YYZ to NRT with Air Canada in 2009. It's a LONNNG flight, but Tokyo is well worth the time spent in the air.

[@denisemoore8536]

I was on this flight too!!! (connected from Toronto) Love Japan

[@MrB4NE1]

I was on that flight too! spotted myself in the lounge when you pan across hahaha I also flew on Air Canadas inaugural flight from Vancouver to Bangkok. Very different experience and a much larger celebration. Also Congrats to WJ pilots for securing an industry leading contract, showing the WJ execs they won't back down and give out labor for a discount anymore.

[@berndgaal7689]

I was one of the ground crew when WJ. had only 3 destinations. Calgary and Edmonton, Vancouver with 3 planes 737. Good to see they made it international.

[@LilithNakamura]

Gonna be taking this route with WestJet this summer in Business Class! Now you’ve got me even more hyped!

[@auroraborealass]

I found this video because I am going on the flight to Tokyo in a few days and I am incredibly excited to be on one of these flights. :D Thanks for the video!

[@kevintaylor791]

I flew Westjet back when they first started flying out of Hamilton. Even then you could tell it was an OLD plane. One of their 737-200's. a Father/Son trip, Hamilton to Calgary, rental car from Calgary to Banff, From Banff to Golden BC. Snowboarded at Banff, Kicking Horse, Panorama, a rest day at Radium hot springs. That was a good week. Glad to see Westjet expanding, I wish they'd pay their bag handlers, flight attendants, gate agents, and pilots better.

[@PLANEMANIA747]

Absolutely beautiful video ❤ Very well filmed and put together 👍 12:22 😋

[@memori365]

Will give it a go next time I visit Japan. Just got back from my first trip to Tokyo through Air Canada with a layover at YVR.

[@jcbaily5559]

I remember my first flight to Tokyo on Northwest Orient Airlines(now Delta) and though they offered more food, it wasn't very classy service for First Class. Your food service did not seem to offer much food but that seems to be the way these days! Thanks for your report!

[@greenshadow8497]

I agree the lounge was well worth it. we flew trough coming from LA and was well worth paying for it since we didn't have any passes.

[@stickynorth]

Nice to see any new direct flights out of Alberta even if its via Calgary on Westjet...

[@tilmank1973]

These meals look nicer than Air Canada's business class food

[@rachelehrenberg9231]

While HNL-NRT on ANA'S flying HONU is my bucket list trip...this sounds nice. I dont mind the short hop from YVR to YYC.

[@hughhappy6695]

Thank you so much for fly with us 😊

[@FirstLast-cb2jr]

Canada is really beautiful. I’m sort of fascinated with Calgary too: I’d love to visit the city.

[@jessemillington5988]

Great video!!!!

[@Deanluvs2fly]

Great review, as always. I am heading to Japan next year from Vancouver and I have been debating between Air Canada, ANA and JAL. I guess I need to add West Jet to the mix.

[@chriscalix4178]

Wow nice plan

[@deltacrj900]

Interesting, I toke the inaugural flight on WestJet from Edmonton to Minneapolis (which i posted on my channel) and it seems like they had more fanfare there. Great video.🙂

[@MrJonsied]

So great you got to experience this! Tracked it on flight radar. Haha, I swear at 9:00 it sounds like you said "butt wipe" lol I had to put the subtitles on and replay twice! There are rumous Westjet will start Calgary-Dubai later in the year (they've been granted the slots already), I'd love to be on that inaugural. Great video as always, Alex.

[@robfreedman6496]

You got yourself a new subscriber!

[@AdvisorDanny]

Thanks I’m flying same today opposite direction first time with westjet

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Thanks!

[@ColtonMetal]

I flew business class on their second flight ever, so just after this one. It was honestly a pretty good experience. The crew was great, the plane was great, the seat was great. They just need slightly more meal options as they ran out of meat options and only had vegetarian options left when I placed my order... in business, they gave me a meat option from a different class, but that is the first time that has ever happened to me flying business.

[@mjtt12]

I was going to go on this flight but ended up going with air canada instead which I am so happy about. I got switched over to Ana for free. It is truly amazing in Tokyo right now.

[@ZombieKiller1965]

To be honest I'm a little shaky on the WJ CEO. In my opinion he's taking WJ backwards. Also why is WJ still not in an alliance. I should be able to book a flight to Bangkok on their website but I can't because they don't have proper alliances. I'm confused as to where they want to be in the industry. Discount airline or full service? This is why I don't care for the CEO, he doesn't seem to have a direction for the airline. Anyway great video as usual Alex and you're right. There should have been some fanfare.

[@cliffl7]

I work for AC @YHZ and it's a odd no seeing any Encore flights, and minimal mainline activity. It's kinda like they given up on the east coast allowing AC and the discount airlines to take over.

[@kyle910910]

When ever I can I always fly Porter! I think it’s one of the best airlines in Canada.

[@gerardacronin334]

I flew to Japan and back on Westjet in October. I went business class. I was very happy with my experience. I got 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep on the way home! I also think the Elevation lounge in Calgary gives great service. Being in business class meant that I was able to use the United lounge in Tokyo. Air Canada also uses that lounge.

[@sho1715]

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso!

[@naturallyherb]

Very nice!

[@retiredguy7785]

Enjoyed your video as I do all your videos. I appreciate you showing what exactly the Westjet premium economy foot/calf rest looks like. There are dozens of videos on westjet that talk about premium economy seats but never show what the seat looks like when you extend the footrest. A silly thing to comment on but when wanting to show someone why they should fly premium economy, I will reference this video so they see why they should consider it. Thank You. P.S. I don't think Condor flies to Calgary but Condor will soon fly from Edmonton to Frankfurt, is that a trip your considering to vlog about?

[@nickkarvelas4082]

If there was an award for best videos/narration you My friend would win top billing.🎉

[@asianfasian3349]

I SAW THIS ON FLIGHT RADAR I HAD A FEELING YOU WERE IN THIS GROUND BREAKING FLIGHT

[@protector22222]

i instantly looked and went i hope westjet has something that can be used as a backup on that route in case the dreamliner has a mechanical lol

[@blueleafy7167]

I was waiting for this video I knew you would be on the flight

[@dougraincock4515]

Awesome video

[@gabea6460]

See I just knew you’d do this!

[@donnamanitu8673]

I somehow had never came upon your channel but I'm a subscriber now.

[@user-ug1zy8zh6q]

Welcome to Japan,Tokyo😄