First Non-Stop Flight From Toronto Lands At Palm Springs International Airport

Some WestJet passengers flying out of Palm Springs on Wednesday say they’re going to miss the desert.

“The sun. The Mexican food. Just the warm weather,” said Sarah Hryniuk. “It’s -30 [degrees] in Calgary right now.”

The desert is going to miss them and their tourist dollars, too. But, Palm Springs hopes to welcome more Canadians than ever before. WestJet begins its non-stop service between Palm Springs and Toronto.

According to the Convention and Visitors Authority, less than 1% of all Canadians who traveled to the Coachella Valley came from Ontario (Toronto’s province).

But, that may change.

Here are some demographic figures about Toronto:

A 2006 report reveals more than 5.1 million people live in the Greater Toronto area.

The average annual household income is more than $80,000.

Close to 35% of households make over $100,000.

Last fall, the Palm Springs City Council gave WestJet $100,000 to get the new service off the ground. It was part of the city’s airline incentive program.

The non-stop service will be provided twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, through the end of April.