WestJet (WS, Calgary) has finalized a deal with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) to acquire forty-two B737-10s with options for another 22. The order is on top of the twenty-three MAX 10 orders the airline had previously placed with the US manufacturer. The new MAX jets will start arriving in 2024 with deliveries running through to 2028.

“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 B737-10 aircraft," said WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech.

To date, the ch-aviation fleets module shows Westjet's mainline fleet consists of eleven parked B737-600s, forty-two B737-700s, thirty-seven B737-800s (and three -BCFs), eighteen B737-8s, and seven B787-9s. Its WestJet Encore (WR, Calgary) subsidiary operates a further forty-seven Dash 8-400s on its behalf while budget carrier Swoop (Hamilton, ON) employs three B737 MAX 8s and ten B737-800s. Mainline also has twenty-three more MAX 8s due from Boeing. The expected training commonality across the airline’s B737 fleet is helping keep WestJet loyal to Boeing and played a key role in Boeing securing this purchase after the airline had previously suggested it was looking at Airbus aircraft.

With WestJet lining up to buy Sunwing Airlines (WG, Toronto Pearson) to boost its footprint in sun and leisure destinations, the airline's future strategy was said to involve focusing on Canada's western half, those sun and leisure destinations, and low-cost flying. Recently, von Hoensbroech downplayed the chances of the airline investing in any further widebody aircraft, preferring to concentrate on aircraft like the MAX that can comfortably handle flights around North and Central America.

“The B737-10 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,” said von Hoensbroech.