High fuel prices are causing WestJet to make some changes
WestJet is saying goodbye to some of its older planes as high fuel prices push the airline to speed up their retirement.
WestJet has officially started retiring its remaining Boeing 737-700s after FTAI Aviation officially acquired 27 of them on Sept. 28.
The deal includes 17 737-700s currently leased to WestJet, plus another 10 that were already off lease.
WestJet CFO Mike Scott said the “strategic” deal “officially marks the start” of the airline’s 737-700 retirement.
The move isn’t exactly a surprise. In June, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech told FlightGlobal that the airline was accelerating plans to phase out its older aircraft because of high fuel prices.
The airline already adjusted some of its flight routes and temporarily raised ticket prices when fuel supply issues linked to limited access through the Strait of Hormuz escalated.
Now, some of WestJet’s older planes will gradually disappear as the airline moves toward newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
WestJet is also taking a different approach than some other Canadian airlines when it comes to dealing with rising fuel costs. While Flair, Porter, and Air Transat received a combined $376 million in government loans this year, WestJet did not.
The Calgary-based airline said it believes airlines should be able to succeed on their own.
Besides retiring planes and ramping up flights to sunny destinations this winter, WestJet has been keeping busy with other changes that could make your next trip a little more comfortable.
The airline is in the midst of refreshing the interiors of its remaining all-Economy planes that were previously operated by Swoop or Sunwing Airlines.
The new cabins will feature more Extended Comfort seats, free Wi-Fi, new charging ports, and holders for your phone or tablet. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
There have also been some updates to its rewards program, which now includes Sunwing Vacations. This means members can earn one WestJet point for every $1 spent on eligible vacation packages and use their points toward the full cost of eligible trips.