On 29SEP, WestJet announced a deal with Boeing to purchase 42 MAX aircraft, along with options for 22 more. The order is in addition to WestJet’s remaining 23 MAX orders, bringing its fleet of MAX planes up to at least 65 by 2028.
“With this additional order, the WestJet Group will accept delivery of no fewer than 65 aircraft in the next six years, at least 50 will be 737-10 aircraft, furthering our commitment to affordable travel options for Canadians and jobs for our company and the aerospace industry,” said WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech.
The company says the multi-billion-dollar investment will allow it to strengthen its presence in Western Canada and underpin growth in transcontinental and leisure offerings from eastern Canadian communities, while providing "low cost positioning and greater affordability for Canadians," along with environmental benefits.
“The 737-10 will be a game changer, with one of the lowest costs per seat among mid-range aircraft. This will foster our low-cost positioning and affordability for Canadians. In addition, with its lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, the 737-10 will further improve the environmental footprint of our fleet,” said von Hoensbroech.
“Thank you to our Board of Directors, who endorsed both the business and environmental merits of this agreement. It reflects our confidence in our business model and sustained market recovery, as we emerge from the pandemic being one of few airlines at scale that have not drawn any sector-specific government aid.”
WestJet’s Board of Directors approved the order for Boeing 737-10 aircraft, the largest model in Boeing’s MAX family. WestJet adds that the move bolsters its position as having "among the youngest" fleets for a North American airline, with an average aircraft age of under 10 years. The company has a current fleet size of approximately 170 aircraft across the WestJet Group, with 110 active 737s.
“WestJet’s expansion plans are rooted in an enhanced presence in Western Canada and a growth strategy in eastern Canadian communities through increased transcontinental flights and more direct routes to sun and leisure destinations. This will be further strengthened once our Sunwing transaction has been approved,” von Hoensbroech added.
According to Boeing and WestJet, the Features of the Boeing 737-10 include:
- Greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane in the industry.
- Can cover 99 per cent of the world's single-aisle routes, ideally suited to serve WestJet’s growing domestic and international network.
- Reduced fuel use and carbon emissions by at least 20 per cent per seat compared to previous generations, helping airlines make air travel even more sustainable.
- Improved guest comfort with a quieter cabin featuring the Boeing Sky Interior, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger overhead stowage bins.
- Quieter airplane, creating a 50 percent smaller noise footprint than the airplanes it replaces.
