WestJet and Tim Hortons are teaming up on a new in-flight coffee offering beginning Nov. 30, with the companies also planning to link their loyalty programs in 2027.
The partnership will see WestJet serve a new Tim Hortons coffee blend called Flight Roast on flights that currently offer in-flight refreshments, while members of the two companies’ rewards programs will eventually be able to earn points through eligible Tim Hortons purchases.
Recently Tim Hortons announced a loyalty partnership as well with Canadian Tire.
New coffee blend for WestJet flights
Beginning Nov. 30, WestJet guests will be served Tim Hortons Flight Roast, a coffee blend developed specifically for consumption at cruising altitude and created exclusively for the partnership. The companies said the coffee is designed to taste its best at 35,000 feet.
Flight Roast is made with 100 per cent Premium Arabica beans from selected origins and is roasted to a full medium. The companies describe the resulting coffee as smooth, rich and balanced, with hints of toasted nuts, cocoa and red fruit.
Tim Hortons coffee and tea will be available on WestJet flights that currently provide in-flight refreshments, expanding the coffee chain’s presence into the airline’s onboard service.
“Some partnerships just make sense, bringing together WestJet, Canada’s famously welcoming airline with Tim Horton’s, Canada’s favourite coffee is one of them,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re excited to welcome Tim Hortons and its new Flight Roast blend onboard, giving guests a little taste of home with every cup while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to delivering Canadians with a welcoming experience.”
The companies said the Flight Roast was developed by Tim Hortons’ in-house coffee experts and builds on the chain’s existing coffee offering while being roasted and brewed specifically for the conditions of air travel.
“Since 1964, Tim Hortons has been serving great tasting coffee that Canadians love and we’re excited to bring Tims to the sky. We can’t wait for Flight Roast, a custom blend developed to be enjoyed exclusively for WestJet guests during their flights, to take off,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons. “This is just the first sip of something bigger. We’re thrilled to expand our loyalty ecosystem with our WestJet partnership to give Canadians even more value on their Tims runs starting next year.”
Loyalty programs to be linked in 2027
The second phase of the partnership is expected to begin in 2027, when members of WestJet Rewards and Tims Rewards will be able to link their accounts. Eligible Tim Hortons purchases will allow participating members to earn points through both programs, according to the companies.
Account linking will also provide access to exclusive offers and promotions, although the companies have not yet released details on the specific member benefits.
Additional information about the loyalty program integration and benefits will be announced closer to its rollout next year.
The partnership brings together WestJet, which is headquartered in Calgary, and Tim Hortons around two elements: an onboard product offering and a loyalty-program connection designed to provide benefits to members beyond their individual transactions with either company.
WestJet said it operates more than 600 daily flights and serves more than 275 destinations, including destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and other international markets. The airline has more than 15,000 employees, according to the release.
WestJet said its group includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations.
More from Retail Insider:
- Tim Hortons Targets Stronger Canadian Growth With New Stores, Beverages and Loyalty
- Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons launch linked loyalty program
