Canadian carrier WestJet has announced the addition of five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its current order book, and expects to take delivery of the aircraft in early 2025.
The latest acquisition comes after the airline recently completed lease negotiations with China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Aviation) and international aircraft leasing company, Avolon.
WestJet Fleet Expansion
WestJet’s latest move involves the addition of five brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its growing fleet.
The airline has secured three aircraft through leasing agreements with CDB Aviation and an additional two drawn from the global lessor Avolon.
Anticipated delivery of the new aircraft is slated for early 2025, marking a further stage in WestJet’s ambitious fleet expansion strategy.
Low-Cost Foundation as an Accelerator
Mike Scott, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of WestJet Group, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating,
“We are adding these five aircraft to our 737 MAX family very soon and look forward to this additional capacity enhancing our already forecasted fleet expansion, further enabling our execution of providing affordable and diverse air travel options for our guests.”
Scott highlighted the integral role of WestJet’s low-cost foundation as a key accelerator of their growth strategy.
As the coast-to-coast leisure champion and western home carrier of Canada, WestJet is strategically positioning itself for sustained growth in the competitive airline industry.
WestJet Current Orderbook
With the latest acquisitions, WestJet’s narrowbody orderbook is set to receive up to 22 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes by the end of 2025.
Looking further ahead, the airline anticipates the addition of up to 62 more airplanes of this type by the end of 2028, solidifying its position with the largest narrowbody orderbook among Canadian airlines.
This places the carrier in an industry-leading position, showcasing its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and meeting the evolving needs of air travelers.
CDB Aviation Comments
Jie Chen, Chief Executive Officer of CDB Aviation, emphasized the importance of their relationship with WestJet, stating,
“CDB Aviation values our expanding relationship with WestJet, and we are pleased to support the airline’s fleet expansion in an environmentally friendly manner as we lease these three new fuel-efficient B737-8 aircraft direct from our orderbook.”
Avolon Comments
Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Avolon, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We’re delighted to be expanding on our strong relationship with WestJet and are pleased to support WestJet’s fleet expansion needs from our Boeing orderbook.”
About WestJet
In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent.
The airline launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26 countries.
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