The WestJet Group has today announced the addition of three more Boeing 737-8 MAX airplanes on lease from BOC Aviation Limited. The aircraft are expected to be integrated into the Group’s fleet by year-end 2024.
On Monday (June 3, 2024), the WestJet Group announced that they will acquire three additional Boeing 737-8 MAX jets on lease from BOC Aviation Limited. The additional aircraft are expected to be integrated into the Group’s fleet by the end of 2024. Initially, the interior cabin experience of the added aircraft will not reflect WestJet’s signature brand, but will eventually be refreshed to provide a consistent guest experience.
In Monday’s announcement, WestJet Group’s EVP and Chief Financial Officer, Mike Scott, said,
“We have an ambitious growth strategy, and the expansion of our fleet is critical to our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians. Working with a trusted partner like BOC Aviation supports us in meeting our growth expectations for 2024.
“Two years ago, we set out a plan for growth that would maintain our position as both Canada’s national leisure champion and western home carrier, while enhancing domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast. We are seeing the benefits of our strategy come to life across our network and the consistent growth of our fleet capacity is essential to maintaining our momentum.”
Also commenting on the new lease agreements, BOC Aviation’s Managing Director and CEO, Steven Townend, said,
“We are delighted to support our long-term customer, WestJet, in its network growth. Our provision of latest technology, fuel efficient aircraft will assist WestJet as it expands its business in the most cost-effective fashion.”
Singapore-based BOC Aviation Limited (HKEX Code: 2588) is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 684 owned, managed or ordered aircraft. As of December 31, 2023, the company’s owned and managed fleet was leased to 91 airlines in 45 countries and territories. In addition to their Singapore headquarters, BOC maintains offices in Dublin, London, New York and Tianjin. BOC Aviation Limited is a Member of The Bank of China Group.
With 28 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 over 100 destinations in 26 countries.
Source: WestJet/CNW