Boeing and WestJet have announced that the Canadian airline will purchase 67 additional Boeing aircraft—comprising 60 737-10 jets with, options for 25 more, along with seven 787-9 jets,with options for four more—bringing its confirmed order to 123 as it expands its fleet and both domestic and international networks.
“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,” commented 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 began operations in 1996 with three Boeing 737 aircraft. Today, the airline operates nearly 150 Boeing 737s, enabling it to connect Canada comfortably and affordably. WestJet also flies both the 787 Dreamliner and the 737 MAX on its long-haul routes, and with this order will expand its fleet of seven 787-9s, which link Canadians to destinations across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
“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,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “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.”
