Canadian air cargo carrier WestJet Cargo has announced a new route to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea as part of its expanded summer schedule.

WestJet is also launching a service to two other destinations: Chicago (ORD) and Moncton (YQM).

The cargo carrier said the Chicago route was opened for cargo sales on May 16. It connects Calgary to the US city three times a week, will increase to daily flights by June 17 and will continue to operate year-round.

This route will operate with 737 aircraft and offers cargo capacities of 2,700 kg per flight, focusing on the transportation of perishables.

WestJet Cargo said this addresses increasing demand and marks the opening of WestJet Cargo's passenger belly network in addition to the weekly freighter that already operates in Chicago.

Moncton, Canada, was opened for cargo sales on May 17 to meet the growing needs of the Canadian market and will continue to operate year-round.

Also utilizing a 737 aircraft, this route links Moncton to Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto with varying frequencies: up to daily flights to Calgary, 3 to 4 weekly flights to Edmonton, and 3 to 5 weekly flights to Toronto.

The primary cargo for this route is live animals and can also accept 2,700 kg per flight of cargo.

Meanwhile, WestJet Cargo said the Calgary to Incheon route, launched on May 18, operates three days weekly with a 787 Dreamliner, offering a 60 tonnes capacity for all cargo commodities.

"This route is already highly popular with the WestJet cargo customers," the carrier said.

Kirsten De Bruijn, executive vice president of WestJet Cargo, said these new routes will significantly enhance the carrier's ability to serve the Canadian market by offering greater capacity and more options for our customers.

"We're delighted to expand our network and provide reliable and efficient cargo services to meet the growing demand," she added.