WestJet Encore name of new regional service

WestJet says it has a name for its new discount regional carrier: WestJet Encore.

The Calgary-based company says the name was picked by its customers in a vote. Services will launch in the second half of 2013.

WestJet Encore will cater to smaller markets with Bombardier Q400 propeller aircraft.

The company says it will announce the schedule for WestJet Encore early next year.

WestJet has previously said it plans to launch the carrier in one half of the country first, before expanding the service in the other side of the country about nine months later.

The announcement comes as Air Canadaprepares to launch its own discount regional carrier. Details about its name, schedule and product offering will be disclosed later this fall when Air Canada releases its 2013 schedule.