Calgary-based WestJet is increasing capacity from Vancouver to Hawaii in the wake of an economic slump that has led other airlines to drop flights to the islands.

The Canadian airline plans to ramp up to 23 flights a week on Boeing 737 aircraft from Vancouver to Honolulu, Kahului and Kona, from Nov. 1 through April 30. It will then re-evaluate demand before deciding whether to go back to its current seven flights a week or boost capacity through the typically slower summer season, said Sean Durfy, WestJet president and chief executive officer.

“;We're still growing and we're going to make Hawaii a big destination for Canadians,”; he said. “;We're expanding when most airlines are shrinking capacity.”;

The Canadian market has been Hawaii's most promising visitor segment, with 234,452 tourists this year through August, an increase of 8.6 percent from a year earlier. Canada is the state's third-largest tourism market after the mainland and Japan, though it represents only 5 percent of total air arrivals to Hawaii.

“;It's a good place to see future growth,”; said Chris Kam, director of market trends for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Per person per day spending by Canadian visitors rose to $150 this year through August, the same as visitors from Hawaii's largest U.S. West market. The average length of stay for Canadians so far this year grew to 12.8 days.

Furthermore, the weakening of the U.S. dollar has fueled demand for Hawaii in the Canadian market, which is the only segment that has shown growth over the past few years. The state reported 333,000 tourists from Canada last year, a jump from 280,000 visitors in 2006.

“;For the first time in a generation, we've been at par with the U.S.,”; Durfy said. “;All of a sudden Canadian spending power ... is a lot higher.”;

The airline dropped its fuel surcharge a month ago, making it even more attractive for Canadians to come to the isles.

The addition of a WestJet vacations subsidiary has increased flights to Hawaii by 44 percent year-over-year, Durfy added.

The rise in demand has prompted company officials to seek the state's assistance in co-marketing the destination. Durfy planned to meet with Gov. Linda Lingle today to request more marketing dollars be spent to attract the lucrative Canadian segment.

WestJet's goal is to double capacity to 45 flights a week if demand continues to grow over the next three years.

“;Any increase coming out of any geographical area will benefit Hawaii, the industry and the economy and help to offset the decreases we're seeing coming out of our No. 1 market, which is the U.S.,”; said Marsha Wienert, state tourism liaison.

WestJet, which began operating in 2005 with seven flights to Hawaii, now brings in 3,500 Canadian visitors a week.