WestJet just placed the largest Boeing airplane order in Canadian history
Calgary-based airliner WestJet announced on Wednesday that it has placed the largest-ever Boeing order in Canadian history.
WestJet says it has reached an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 60 737-10 MAX narrowbody aircraft, with options for an additional 25. The order also includes seven 787-9 Dreamliner widebody aircraft with options for four more as the company advances its growth strategy.
This order increases the airline’s current order book to 123 aircraft and 40 options, while extending WestJet’s fleet growth plans through 2034.
“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’s chief executive officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech, in a news release.
“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
“We are honoured 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 guests with great efficiency and comfort.”
WestJet currently operates 193 passenger aircraft, including 147 Boeing 737s, seven 787s and 39 DeHavilland Q400s. With an average age of approximately 10 years, WestJet says its fleet is among the youngest of established North American carriers.
WestJet’s Board of Directors approved the order for additional Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to mark the airline’s largest order agreement to date, and the largest-ever Canadian Boeing order.