WestJet Announces Cabin Reconfiguration Strategy Update
- Joe Breitfeller
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
WestJet has today announced that based on feedback from customers and team members, they will return to the prior seat pitch for Economy cabins on recently reconfigured aircraft where seating had been densified.
On Friday (January 16, 2026), WestJet announced that they will change their cabin configuration approach on the limited portion of their fleet where it densified seating. Following a review of operational data and feedback from guests and WestJetters, the airline will return to the prior standard seat pitch for economy cabins on these recently reconfigured aircraft by removing one row of seats. WestJet had paused reconfiguration plans in December and planned to finalize its evaluation of the new interior layout mid-February. However, the carrier has now accelerated the review to address feedback and provide clarity sooner.
In Friday’s announcement, WestJet Group’s CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, said,
“WestJet tried seat pitches that are popular with many airlines around the globe as they serve to provide affordable airfares. As an entrepreneurial airline founded on making air travel affordable to Canadians it's in our DNA to try new products. At the same time, it is just as important to react quickly if they don't meet the needs of our guests.
“WestJet was founded as an airline centred on guests. It is in this spirit that we will take what we’ve learned and continue to be cost-disciplined and innovative, while staying true to what our guests and our people expect from us.
“It’s also important to recognize our WestJetters who showed up for guests with care and professionalism throughout.”
Since aircraft interiors are managed to the highest safety and engineering standards, changes require multiple phases, starting with an engineering certificate. Once this certificate is received, WestJet will begin converting all 180-seat aircraft to 174-seat layouts, with timelines for completion still being determined. WestJet is still evaluating other aspects of the new layout, while broader cabin reconfiguration investments, including refreshed interiors, enhanced amenities and modernized design, will continue as part of the airline’s commitment to improving the guest experience.
Source: WestJet
