WestJet has today announced an order for 42 Boeing 737-10 MAX Airplanes, with options for an additional 22 jets. The 737-10 is the largest member of the MAX Family and will allow WestJet to meet their long-term sustainability and growth plans.
On Thursday (September 29, 2022), Boeing announced that WestJet has ordered up to 64 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft, the largest model in the MAX Family. The carrier placed a firm order for 42 737-10s, with options for 22 additional jets. Since launching with three 737s in 1996, WestJet has grown their all-Boeing fleet to over 100 airplanes, including 737-8s and 787 Dreamliners. Including today’s order, WestJet currently has over 60 firm orders for 737 MAX Family jets. WestJet’s order also supports the growth of Canada’s aviation industry, as the country is home to one of Boeing’s largest international supply bases, with over 550 suppliers and partners. Boeing currently contributes approximately CAD $5.3 billion in economic benefit to Canada annually, supporting more than 20,000 jobs. Composite components for the 737 MAX and other models are built at Boeing’s Winnipeg fabrication site.
In Thursday’s announcement, WestJet Group’s 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.
“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.”
Also commenting on the new order, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ CEO, Stan Deal, said,
“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. 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 of WestJet’s new 737-10s will reduce CO2 emissions by millions of pounds annually compared to the airplanes they will replace. The 737-10 MAX is Boeing’s largest and most efficient single-aisle jet, offering capacity for up to 230 passengers with a range of 3,100 nautical miles. WestJet also has over 15 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft in service, carrying 178 passengers up to 3,500 nautical miles.
In 26 years of service, WestJet has cut airfares for Canadians in half and increased the flying population around Canada by over 50 percent. The airline launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, and has now grown to more than 180 aircraft and 14,000 employees, offering service to 100 destinations in 23 countries (pre-pandemic). Even during the pandemic, WestJet maintained their rating by Cirium as one of the top ten airlines for on-time performance in North America.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source(s): Boeing/PRNewswire, WestJet/CNW
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