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Boeing and WestJet announced on Sept. 29 that the airline is strengthening its commitment to the 737 MAX family with an order for 42 737-10s and options for an additional 22 jets. This order is in addition to WestJet’s remaining 23 Max orders and extends the airline’s fleet growth plans out to 2028.
The 737-10 will enable the Canadian carrier to undertake an ambitious network expansion and meet its long-term sustainability goals.
“With this additional order, the WestJet Group will accept delivery of no fewer than 65 aircraft in the next six years, at least 50 will be 737-10 aircraft, furthering our commitment to affordable travel options for Canadians and jobs for our company and the aerospace industry,” said WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech. “WestJet’s expansion plans are rooted in an enhanced presence in Western Canada and a growth strategy in eastern Canadian communities through increased transcontinental flights and more direct routes to sun and leisure destinations. This will be further strengthened once our Sunwing transaction has been approved.”
WestJet’s Board of Directors approved the order for state-of-the-art Boeing 737-10 aircraft, the largest model in Boeing’s MAX family. The 737-10 provides superior economic benefits to any other 737 aircraft in WestJet’s fleet, while ensuring simplicity through expected training commonality across the airline’s 737 fleet.
“The 737-10 will be a game changer, with one of the lowest costs per seat among mid-range aircraft. This will foster our low-cost positioning and affordability for Canadians,” said Hoensbroech. “In addition, with its lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, the 737-10 will further improve the environmental footprint of our fleet.”
Since launching its business with three 737s in 1996, WestJet has grown its Boeing fleet to more than 100 airplanes including the 737-8 and 787 Dreamliner. Including the 737-10, the Calgary-based carrier has more than 60 firm orders for the 737 MAX family.
“The 737-10 will provide WestJet with additional capacity and unrivalled efficiency as the airline expands its network of destinations across Canada and around the world,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are proud that WestJet sees the value of the 737 MAX family and is adding the 737-10 to complement the 737-8 for outstanding capability, flexibility and improved sustainability.”
Each 737-10 will reduce CO2 emissions by millions of pounds per year compared to the airplanes it replaces, enabling greater sustainability. As Boeing’s largest and most efficient single-aisle jet, the 737-10 seats up to 230 passengers with a range of 3,100 nautical miles. WestJet also has more than 15 737-8s in-service, carrying 178 passengers with a range up to 3,500 nautical miles. Together, the two models will enhance the airline’s environmental performance for short- and medium-haul air travel.
With the expansion of its 737 MAX fleet, WestJet’s order supports the growth of the aviation industry in Canada. The country is home to one of Boeing’s largest international supply bases with more than 550 suppliers and partners. Boeing currently contributes CAD ~$5.3 billion in economic benefit to Canada annually, supporting more than 20,000 jobs. Boeing’s Winnipeg fabrication site builds composite components for the 737 MAX and other Boeing models.
WestJet has a current fleet size of approximately 170 aircraft across the WestJet Group, with 110 active 737s. WestJet announced its strategic path forward in June, with the 737 as a key pillar of long-term growth.
This press release was prepared and distributed by WestJet
