LONDON – Boeing has announced WestJet has ordered 42 Boeing 737-10s, with options for another 22 aircraft. It is the biggest order for the largest variant of the Max family.
“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,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group’s chief executive officer. “In addition, with its lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, the 737-10 will further improve the environmental footprint of our fleet.”
WestJet started operations with three Boeing 737s, and now has over 100 aircraft in its fleet. It is comprised of Boeing 737s and 787 Dreamliners. The carrier already has 18 737-8 aircraft from the MAX family and 76 737s from the NG family.
von Hoensbroech continued “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,”
Supporting WestJet’s Expansion
The Boeing 737-10 can cover 99% of the world’s single-aisle operated routes. The aircraft will help expand WestJet’s international and domestic route networks with its increased range and capacity.
d Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes 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.”
Efficient Choice
WestJet expects a fuel and emission reduction of at least 20% compared to the previous generation aircraft.
Mr Hoensbroech added: “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,”
The 737-10 is a logical addition to the 737-8 for the Canadian airline. The increased range and capacity compared to their existing 737 fleets, whilst retaining crew familiarity means training costs can be kept to a minimum.
he continues: “Thank you to our Board of Directors, who endorsed both the business and environmental merits of this agreement. It reflects our confidence in our business model and sustained market recovery, as we emerge from the pandemic being one of few airlines at scale that have not drawn any sector-specific government aid.”
