Sunita Somvanshi
Sonali Tiwary
WestJet is betting big on growth with its largest-ever aircraft order. The Canadian airline announced on September 3 that it’s buying 67 new Boeing jets in a deal that will shape its future for the next decade.
The order includes 60 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft and seven 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 25 737-10s and four 787-9s. This massive purchase brings WestJet’s total firm order book to 123 aircraft, the largest of any airline in Canada.
“With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet has the largest order book of any airline in Canada, and will double our fleet of Dreamliners,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet’s CEO. “These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption.”
The Calgary-based airline plans to use these new planes to expand both its domestic and international networks. The additional Dreamliners will particularly boost WestJet’s reach to destinations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
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WestJet has deep roots with Boeing, having started operations in 1996 with just three Boeing 737 aircraft. Today, the airline flies nearly 150 Boeing 737s connecting Canada. The company currently operates 193 passenger aircraft, including seven 787-9 Dreamliners, which this order will double.
The airline’s fleet is among the youngest of established North American carriers with an average age of approximately 10 years. This gives WestJet an advantage in fuel efficiency and maintenance costs compared to competitors with older fleets.
Boeing’s 737-10 MAX, the largest plane in the 737 family, offers what Boeing calls the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane. The company claims these newer models use significantly less fuel, reduce emissions by 20%, and cut maintenance costs by 14% compared to older aircraft.
“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,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The deal comes as Boeing works to improve production after output slumped in 2024 due to manufacturing problems. WestJet’s CEO noted that Boeing has recently started accelerating deliveries of previously ordered aircraft.
Deliveries of the newly ordered planes are planned through 2034, supporting WestJet’s long-term growth strategy. However, the 737-10 MAX still needs final certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which isn’t expected until 2026.
Canadian Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland highlighted the economic benefits of the deal for both Canada and the United States, noting that it “reflects a pragmatic approach to doing business, creating new opportunities, economic benefits, and long-term jobs on both sides of the border.”
For passengers, these new planes promise a more comfortable travel experience with modern amenities and improved fuel efficiency that could help keep ticket prices competitive.
