WestJet has announced its agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 60 737-10 MAX aircraft. In addition to this, the agreement also includes an additional purchase of seven 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
This order is set to expand WestJet’s portfolio through 2034; the current order is at 123 aircraft and 40 options.
WestJet Chief Executive Officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech, said, “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, These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption.”
This agreement with Boeing will allow the airline to build its network and offer affordable options for its customers.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, ” 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, 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.”
This deal aims to provide future economic benefits to Canada and the United States. Moreover, Canada is Boeing’s largest international supply base, contributing $4 billion in economic benefit to Canada.
Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, said, ” 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.”
WestJet is not only committed to contributing to Canada but also to its home province, Alberta.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said, ” I’m thrilled to see this historic purchase agreement between WestJet and Boeing. Not only does this represent WestJet’s largest-ever aircraft order, but it also reinforces Alberta’s growing reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a leading aerospace and aviation hub. Alberta remains a place where businesses can grow and thrive for the future. Alberta’s government continues to be a proud partner of WestJet, including recent support for Lufthansa’s milestone engine repair facility investment.”
WestJet currently operates 193 passenger aircraft; it is set to expand its fleet with this order from Boeing.
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Aviation Reporter - A master's student at the University of Edinburgh, political scientist and journalist, Suhani contributes the latest trends and developments in the aviation industry to Travel Radar.