CALGARY– WestJet (WS) has signed its largest-ever aircraft purchase agreement with Boeing (BA), finalizing an order for 60 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft with options for 25 more. The deal also includes seven Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for an additional four. This agreement positions WestJet as Canada’s leading carrier in terms of future aircraft commitments.
The announcement extends WestJet’s fleet growth strategy through 2034, raising its order book to 123 aircraft and 40 options.
The move underscores the airline’s ambition to grow as a resilient low-cost carrier, providing passengers across Canada with more routes, affordable fares, and international connectivity.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – WestJet, C-GUDO, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87491707WestJet Orders 67 Boeing Jets
This latest purchase marks the largest Canadian aircraft order with Boeing to date, reflecting a strong partnership that began with WestJet’s first flights in 1996 on three Boeing 737s.
Today, the airline operates 193 passenger aircraft, including 147 Boeing 737s, seven 787-9 Dreamliners, and 39 De Havilland Q400s. With an average fleet age of just 10 years, WestJet already ranks among the youngest fleets in North America.
According to WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech, doubling the Dreamliner fleet and expanding the 737 MAX order book ensures the airline can continue to balance efficiency, passenger comfort, and affordability.
The 737-10 will provide the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle jet, while the 787-9 will allow the carrier to serve long-haul markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America with greater efficiency.
Photo: Mackenzie Cole | FlickrEconomic Impact Across Borders
The agreement not only strengthens WestJet’s future but also brings long-term economic benefits to Canada and the United States.
Boeing maintains one of its largest international supply bases in Canada, contributing over $4 billion annually to the country’s economy. This deal secures thousands of aerospace jobs across the border while supporting innovation and manufacturing stability.
Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Chrystia Freeland, highlighted the agreement as a strategic investment that creates jobs, boosts economic ties, and enhances passenger connectivity across the country.
Alberta’s Role in Aviation Growth
The deal also reinforces Alberta’s status as a growing aviation hub. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith noted that this record-breaking purchase builds on WestJet’s commitment to its home province, where the airline has already made substantial investments.
She emphasized Alberta’s rising reputation in the aerospace sector, also pointing to Lufthansa’s recent decision to establish a major engine repair facility in the province.
Photo: By Ken Fielding/https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenfielding, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72761268Bottom Line
With this order, WestJet secures the largest order book of any Canadian airline. The fleet expansion ensures the carrier can continue offering affordable travel options, create new employment opportunities, and maintain its growth trajectory well into the next decade.
Boeing executives expressed confidence in WestJet’s strategy, reaffirming the manufacturer’s commitment to supporting the airline’s long-term success.
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Canada’s WestJet to Lease 3 New 737 MAX 8 Aircraft
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