Two airlines launch new routes at Dulles International

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority staff and special guests gathered Thursday at Dulles International Airport to celebrate Air Canada‘s new nonstop service to Vancouver and Norse Atlantic Airways‘ debut as a new Dulles carrier providing nonstop service to London Gatwick. From June 1-2, Dulles and Reagan National airports participated in an unprecedented seven airline route launches to kick off a strong summer of travel offerings. 

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Photo: Norse Atlantic Airways inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Dulles International. Credit: @Dulles_Airport

Air Canada IAD-Vancouver YVR

The Air Canada inaugural flight from Vancouver (YVR) Airport, a Boeing 737-Max 8 aircraft, landed at Dulles International (IAD) Thursday afternoon, June 1. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting event took place at Gate Z10 with speakers including officials from the Canadian Embassy, Airports Authority and Air Canada.

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Photo (L-R): Tina Chiu, Airports Authority airline business development; Paul Bobson, Airports Authority vice president for airline business development; Gillian Grant Embassy of Canada counsellor; Paul Bobson, Airports Authority airline business development director; Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority executive vice president and chief revenue officer; Graziella Cabrera-Miron Air Canada senior manager of USA regional sales; Richard Golinowski, Airports Authority vice president and Dulles Airport manager; Deanne Berry, Airports Authority airline business development. Credit: @Dulles_Airport

Speaking on behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Chryssa Westerlund said, “This flight opens a new gateway from the National Capital region of the United States to the western reaches of Canada. We look forward to welcoming travelers to explore our region's wineries, museums and nightlife."

Flights on Air Canada between Washington and Vancouver will operate as follows: 

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Future passengers can book travel at www.aircanada.com

Norse Atlantic Airways IAD-London LGW

The Norse inaugural flight from London Gatwick (LGW) Airport landed at Dulles International (IAD) around 5:45 p.m. on June 1. A group of more than 40 aviation enthusiasts who signed up through Dulles social media accounts viewed the landing and gate arrival of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner up close.

The aircraft received a water-arch salute as it taxied into Gate B37. Inside the concourse, attendees enjoyed food, entertainment and a special mocktail bar sponsored by Pepsi. The program, which was streamed on the airport's Facebook page, included speeches and a ribbon-cutting sendoff for the flight to London. 

Speaking on behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, President and CEO Jack Potter said, “London is Washington's largest European passenger market. Starting today, passengers have a new option to fly a Dreamliner aircraft nonstop from Dulles to London Gatwick, which is the first-ever service between the two airports."

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Joined by members of the flight crew, ribbon cutters included (L-R): Paul Bobson, Airports Authority vice president for airline business development; J. Walter Tejada, Airports Authority board member; Jack Potter, Airports Authority president and CEO; Dr. Rannia Leontaridi, UK Department of Transportation; Bjørn Tore Larsen, Norse CEO and founder; Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority executive vice president and chief revenue officer; Tom Reich, Airports Authority airline business development director; Richard Golinowski, Airports Authority VP and Dulles Airport manager; Theresa Belpulsi, Destination DC SVP for tourism, sports and visitor services. Photo credit: @Dulles_Airport.

Flights on Norse between Washington and London Gatwick will operate as follows:

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Future passengers can book travel at www.flynorse.com

Other routes launched June 1 included American Airlines new daily service from Reagan National Airport to Madison, Wisconsin; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. June 2 will feature route launches from Dulles to Calgary and Rome on two additional airlines serving Dulles for the first time.