The purchase agreement, which comes on the heels of Canada’s announcement that it would eliminate retaliatory tariffs on the United States on Sept. 1, includes an option for an additional 25 737-MAX aircraft to further expand the Calgary-based carrier’s domestic and international fleet.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement that it’s the largest order ever placed by any Canadian-based airline.
“With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet will double our fleet of Dreamliners, underpinning our growth plans and our commitment to affordable travel options for Canadians and exciting career paths for our people,” von Hoensbroech said.
“These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption.”
Founded in 1996, WestJet has grown its fleet from just three 737 aircraft to 193 passenger planes, including nearly 150 Boeing 737 aircraft. The deal increases the company’s order book of Boeing 737-MAX aircraft to 123 new jets, with options for an additional 40 planes. Known for its low fares, WestJet is Canada’s second-largest air carrier behind Air Canada.
In addition to flying numerous routes across Canada, WestJet serves many major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York, as well as select destinations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. The addition of the new 787 Dreamliners will connect Canadians with destinations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, WestJet said.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said WestJet’s investment builds on the decades-long partnership between the two companies.
“We are honored that WestJet has once again placed its trust in Boeing with a major investment that solidifies their fleet for the decades ahead,” Pope said.
“We look forward to supporting WestJet’s exciting growth as they leverage the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to serve even more passengers with great efficiency and comfort.”
WestJet said the order is part of its plans to strategically grow and refresh its fleet through 2034. The carrier’s average aircraft age of 10 years is among the youngest of North American carriers, the company said.
The announcement comes at a time when tariffs have impacted business and trade on both sides of the northern border. In February, the United States announced a 25-percent tariff on most Canadian goods, as well as a 10-percent tariff on energy imported from Canada. Canada quickly responded with a retaliatory 25-percent tariff on U.S. goods but walked that back this week.
Canada is one of Boeing’s largest international supplier bases and manufactures parts for all of Boeing’s commercial fleet and most of its defense aircraft, the Arlington, Virginia-based company said. Boeing contributes approximately $4 billion annually to Canada’s economy.
Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland said the deal ensures that WestJet is well-equipped to grow and offer more flight options to better connect Canadians.
“This agreement between WestJet and Boeing reflects a pragmatic approach to doing business, creating new opportunities, economic benefits, and long-term jobs on both sides of the border,” Freeland said.
