WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, has simply introduced a fairly important plane order.
WestJet orders as much as 64 Boeing 737 MAX 10s
WestJet has right now introduced an settlement to buy as much as 64 extra Boeing plane, particularly for the Boeing 737 MAX 10. This features a agency order for 42 of the jets, and choices for an extra 22 jets. With this growth, WestJet’s fleet progress plans have been prolonged all the best way to 2028.
For context, WestJet at the moment has a fleet of roughly 110 plane, together with over 100 Boeing 737 household plane, plus seven Boeing 787s (with three extra on order). This order enhances WestJet’s current order of Boeing 737 MAXs, because the airline already had 23 Boeing 737 MAXs on order, along with those which have already joined the fleet. At the moment WestJet’s solely “MAX” plane is the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
For context, the Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the biggest variant of the Boeing 737 MAX household. The airplane can seat as much as 230 folks in a single-class configuration, and has a variety of three,215nm. Sadly the airplane nonetheless hasn’t been licensed, and Boeing has even threatened to cancel the jet altogether, if approval doesn’t come by quickly.
Right here’s what WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech needed to say about this order:
“With this extra order, the WestJet Group will settle for supply of no fewer than 65 plane within the subsequent six years, no less than 50 shall be 737-10 plane, furthering our dedication to reasonably priced journey choices for Canadians and jobs for our firm and the aerospace business. WestJet’s growth plans are rooted in an enhanced presence in Western Canada and a progress technique in japanese Canadian communities by elevated transcontinental flights and extra direct routes to solar and leisure locations. This shall be additional strengthened as soon as our Sunwing transaction has been accredited.”
“The 737-10 shall be a sport changer, with one of many lowest prices per seat amongst mid-range plane. This may foster our low-cost positioning and affordability for Canadians. As well as, with its decrease gas consumption and decreased emissions, the 737-10 will additional enhance the environmental footprint of our fleet.”
My tackle WestJet’s plane order
We knew that WestJet was planning on putting an plane order quickly, so it’s not likely stunning to see the airline decide up extra 737 MAXs. There’s an enormous profit to fleet commonality, so I believe all of us anticipated that WestJet would hold going with the MAX.
The 737 MAX 10 is a logical airplane when it comes to growing capability at a low per-seat value. Admittedly that has its personal dangers and challenges, although, on condition that the airplane nonetheless isn’t licensed, so WestJet is shopping for a product that Boeing might or might not be capable of promote.
I do need to say, WestJet as an airline continues to confuse me a bit. I view WestJet as being the JetBlue of Canada. The airline is nice to fly with, however I’m undecided the corporate has a very cohesive technique (or no less than I don’t absolutely perceive it):
- WestJet is including 10 Boeing 787-9s to its fleet, however hasn’t introduced lengthy haul growth past that; it looks like the airline is dipping its toes into lengthy haul service, with out absolutely committing to it, which doesn’t appear to be a recipe for fulfillment
- Competitors within the Canadian airline business is admittedly heating up, between a number of new extremely low value carriers launching, plus Porter Airways increasing past Billy Bishop Airport
- WestJet appears to only sort of be doing a bit of little bit of all the things, and I’m undecided that’s an amazing technique
Anyway, it’s good to see that WestJet is dedicated to proceed rising, in order that Air Canada will get some country-wide competitors from a non-ultra low value provider.
Backside line
WestJet has simply positioned an order for as much as 64 extra Boeing 737 MAX 10s. This contains 44 agency orders, plus 22 choices, and it enhances WestJet’s current Boeing 737 MAX order. I don’t suppose this order will come as an enormous shock to anybody.
I’m trying ahead to seeing the airline business in Canada persevering with to evolve, given all that’s altering.
What do you make of WestJet’s Boeing 737 MAX order?
