WestJet will be traversing the Atlantic, rather than following the M62, when it links Manchester airport with Halifax, Nova Scotia. At just more than six hours’ flying to the Canadian city and around five hours eastwards, the new service will be Manchester airport’s shortest transatlantic route.

WestJet will offer 75 connections from Halifax to other cities including Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. It will be the airline’s first move into Manchester.

WestJet chief strategy officer Charles Duncan said: “This new route connects the UK, Nova Scotia’s largest in-bound tourism market, to new sources of tourists and will forge additional and stronger economic, business and leisure ties between Halifax and Manchester.” 

WestJet also believes the pull of Coronation Street, filmed in Manchester, will encourage inbound traffic.

James Penfold, Controller of Partnerships at ITV said: "We’re incredibly fortunate to have a very passionate Canadian fan base for the programme and have loved to welcome international visitors to the official Coronation Street Tours, which we operate on the external LOT at select weekends, over the years. 

“This new trans-Atlantic route will serve as a speedy and direct connection to our heartland for fans, giving so many more the opportunity to now wander through Weatherfield and down the infamous cobbles."

Westjet will operate four flights a week from 5 June using a Boeing 737-700, with the cabin offering economy and premium economy classes.