WestJet has placed its biggest aircraft order yet, confirming a deal with Boeing for 67 new jets as the airline looks to expand both its domestic and international networks.
The order, which appeared as “unidentified” on Boeing’s orders list in June, includes 60 Boeing 737-10s with options for 25 more, along with seven 787-9 Dreamliners and options for four more.
“With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet has the largest order book of any airline in Canada, and will double our fleet of Dreamliners, underpinning our growth plans and our commitment to affordable travel options for Canadians and exciting career paths for our people,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet chief executive officer. “These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption.”
WestJet started out in 1996 with just three Boeing 737s. Today, it operates nearly 150 of them, alongside its existing 787 Dreamliners. The new order will double its fleet of the long-haul 787-9s, which currently connect Canadian cities with destinations across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are honored that WestJet has once again placed its trust in Boeing with a major investment that builds on our three decades of partnership and solidifies their fleet for the decades ahead. We look forward to supporting WestJet’s exciting growth as they leverage the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to serve even more passengers with great efficiency and comfort.”
The deal brings WestJet’s 737-10 commitments to 107, giving the airline what Boeing describes as efficiencies through operational commonality. WestJet’s fleet is currently one of the youngest among major North American carriers, with an average age of about 10 years.
