WestJet Group of Canada has chosen to expand their fleet, with a firm order of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, along with options to purchase.
WestJet Boeing 737-10 – Rendering , The Boeing Company.
The airline group will add 42 of the largest of the variant – the Boeing 737-10 aircraft with plus 22 options. This order is in addition to WestJet’s remaining 23 MAX orders and extends the airline’s fleet growth plans out to 2028.
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 economic benefits to any other 737 aircraft in WestJet’s fleet while ensuring simplicity through expected training commonality across the airline’s 737 fleets.
According to the airline, the 737-10 can cover 99 per cent of the world’s single-aisle routes, thus able to serve WestJet’s growing domestic and international network whilst reducing fuel and carbon emissions by 20% (compared to the previous aircraft).
The aircraft will feature the Boeing Sky Interior which uses, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger overhead stowage bins.
WestJet has an introductory video to the new aircraft.
In Quotes
WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech said:
“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,”
“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.”
He added:
“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. In addition, with its lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, the 737-10 will further improve the environmental footprint of our fleet,”
Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:
“The 737-10 will provide WestJet with additional capacity and unrivalled efficiency as the airline further expands its network of destinations across Canada and internationally. WestJet understands the value of the 737 MAX family, with the 737-10 set to perfectly complement the outstanding capability and flexibility already afforded by the 737-8, along with improved sustainability across its fleet,”
Candian Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra added:
“Today’s announcement by WestJet is exciting news for Canadian travelers and our national air industry as a whole. As we enter post-pandemic recovery, investments like these in sustainable and affordable air travel will ensure that our air sector remains strong. I look forward to continuing the work our Government is doing with WestJet and air carriers across the country to make air travel safer, cleaner, and more affordable for everyone.”
Some flies in the ointments, however…
… and they’re not of WestJet’s making.
The Boeing 737-10 is still in its certification campaign and that’s a problem. As The Air Current details, there may have to be a redesign in the cockpit to allow for an engine-indicating and crew-alerting system to be installed – making the type different to the existing 737 family aircraft.
It may take political powers to allow the 737-10 to be certified in time (or an exception granted) to get it over the finish line.
WestJet is by no means the only Boeing 737-10 customer, with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Lion Air, flyDubai, GOL and Virgin Australia all having outstanding orders for the type.
The certification campaign is going to be key and how far Boeing can get to certify the aircraft before it has to meet the legislative bumps in the road.
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