Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet is adding a route from Gatwick to Halifax in Nova Scotia to its transatlantic network.
The flights to Atlantic Canada are part of the airline’s summer schedule and will be operated by new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The daily service starts from Gatwick on April 30 in addition to a Paris-Halifax link from June 1.
An additional flight from Halifax to Calgary is being scheduled to give 15 weekly onward connections.
WestJet serves 16 cities from the Halifax, up from six in 2013, including ten in Canada.
The airline’s commercial executive vice-president Ed Sims said: “As the carrier with the most transatlantic flights from Halifax, we are thrilled to announce our first foray onto the European mainland.
“Venturing to London and now Paris is an indication of our ambitious growth plans as we move towards becoming a global network carrier.
“This is an investment that will help launch new flights in the future and further expand our presence in YHZ [Halifax Stanfield international airport] – a key driver in economic and employment growth.”
Gatwick chief commercial officer Guy Stephenson added: “Halifax has lots to offer visitors from the UK, with its rich maritime history, year-round festivals and buoyant nightlife making it a must-visit global city.
“With Halifax also being one of Canada’s main economic hubs, these new flights will provide an important link between the two countries’ business communities at a time when worldwide connections are vital for the UK.”