WestJet continues to expand its horizons, announcing the purchase of 60 Boeing 737-10 MAX narrowbody aircraft, with an option for 25 more. The company also has ordered seven 787-9 Dreamliner widebody aircraft, with options for four more.
Officials say it’s the largest current aircraft order for any Canadian airline and the largest single Boeing order for a Canadian carrier.
WestJet said the order increases the Calgary-based airline's current order book to 123 aircraft and 40 options, while extending their fleet growth plans through 2034.
The airline’s board of directors approved the order for additional Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to mark WestJet’s largest order agreement to-date. It’s also said to be the largest-ever Canadian Boeing order.
"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 from coast to coast and exciting career paths for our people," said WestJet Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech. "These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption."
The deal marks future economic benefits on both sides of the border. Canada is one of Boeing's largest international supply bases, providing aerospace parts for all Boeing commercial airplane models in production, contributing $4 billion in economic benefit to Canada each year, while securing long-term manufacturing jobs in both Canada and the United States.
"This agreement between WestJet and Boeing reflects a pragmatic approach to doing business, creating new opportunities, economic benefits, and long-term jobs on both sides of the border, while ensuring that WestJet is well-equipped to grow, offer more options for passengers, and better connect Canadians," said Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
WestJet currently operates 193 passenger aircraft, inclusive of 147 Boeing 737s, seven 787s and 39 De Havilland Q400s. With an average age of approximately 10 years, officials said WestJet's fleet is among the youngest of established North American carriers.
