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Tag: Boeing 737 MAX

  • Air Canada Elevates the North American Travel Experience with a Comprehensive Fleet Upgrade

    • Air Canada Rouge transitioning to a modern, all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet featuring seatback entertainment and Fast, Free Wi-Fi 
    • Existing Rouge Airbus aircraft will be upgraded with new cabins and amenities, transitioning to the Air Canada mainline
    • Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz to receive updated cabins and Next Generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi

    MONTRÉAL, Nov. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Canada today announced its most comprehensive cabin renewal program yet, designed to make every flight across North America more comfortable, more connected, and more consistent for customers and crew members. Spanning Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express, this multi-year investment reimagines the onboard experience with new interiors, next-generation technology, and thoughtful details inspired by customer and co-worker feedback. This includes the industry’s most comprehensive Fast, Free Wi-Fi offering, sponsored by Bell.

    A Boeing 737 MAX 8.

    “When customers step onto an Air Canada aircraft, they should instantly feel a sense of comfort, care, and pride,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada. “Supported by award-winning service from co-workers across the company, this renewal program is about delivering that feeling consistently, across every flight. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or something in between, every update is designed with our customers in mind. Notably, this program includes an entirely new Air Canada Rouge product with cutting-edge in-flight entertainment, Fast, Free Wi-Fi, and seats that recline for all customers.”

    A New Experience for Air Canada Rouge

    All Boeing 737 MAX 8 currently part of Air Canada’s mainline fleet will transition to Air Canada Rouge through 2026. The updated cabins will feature 12 Business Class seats, 18 Preferred extra legroom Economy seats, and 147 Standard Economy seats – each reclining, featuring personal on-demand entertainment screens and Fast, Free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members.

    To support this fleet transition, a new Rouge crew base will be opened in Vancouver, providing more choices for leisure travelers from Western Canada.

    Mainline Comfort with a Modern Touch

    As part of this transformation, all Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will operate at Air Canada mainline. Those interiors will be upgraded to Air Canada’s latest standards, including new seating, the latest In-Flight Entertainment, and upgraded Fast, Free Wi-Fi. These renovated cabins will complement Air Canada’s new design standard: a distinctly Canadian aesthetic that is modern, accessible and warm, reflecting the beauty and sophistication of Canada. The program is well underway, with 15 Airbus A321s already flying with the upgrades.

    Growing the Airbus A220 Fleet

    Air Canada will continue to invest in its A220 fleet: a game changing aircraft providing category-leading comfort, technology, and efficiency – designed and built in Quebec. Air Canada has an additional 26 Airbus A220-300s on order and will introduce its new design standard on future deliveries, including Airbus’ larger XL overhead bins, as of March 2026.

    Cabin upgrades extend to Air Canada Express

    The customer experience uplift extends to regional travel. Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz, including the Embraer E175 and Mitsubishi CRJ-900, will be fitted with the new cabin standard from 2026. Next generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi is being rolled out, with 55% of the fleet already completed. This is in addition to the previously announced upgrades to 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft, which will undergo a full cabin redesign to install new seating, new interiors and, on aircraft flying from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, next generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi.

    Complimentary Beer, Wine, and Snacks

    Alongside these cabin upgrades, Air Canada is also elevating the onboard experience across its North American network with complimentary beer, wine, and premium snacks on all flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express (Jazz). Customers can look forward to Canadian-made favourites such as MadeGood Morning Bars on flights departing before 10 a.m., TWIGZ seasoned pretzels, and Leclerc Célébration cookies, all served alongside a selection of complimentary beverages designed to make every journey more enjoyable.

    About Air Canada

    Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

  • WestJet invests in guest experience through major cabin reconfiguration

    23 September 2025

    Interior modernization on former all-economy Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft to offer refreshed range of seating options.

    Westjet's new Boeing 737 cabin interior

    WestJet is investing in a consistent on-board guest experience with a new cabin interior and amenities to create a cohesive look and feel across WestJet’s formerly economy-only aircraft. A full cabin refresh will introduce upgraded Premium seating onto these aircraft and significantly expand the offering of popular Extended Comfort seating options.

    The modern cabin experience will offer a bright, airy atmosphere with an upgraded design that features new seats, adjustable headrests and enhanced cushion and back support with a fixed recline design in Economy that helps preserve personal space. The interior will also include in-seat power sources, personal phone/tablet holders and reworked lavatories and galleys.

    “The cabin has been thoughtfully designed to offer WestJet’s welcoming service at every budget,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer, “It reflects our commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience and meeting guest demand for a broader range of product offerings” adds Taylor.

    WestJet’s new aircraft interior will feature a refreshed Premium cabin with 12 new seats that are the same model as in WestJet’s 787-9 Dreamliner fleet: ergonomically contoured seat cushions, reclining seat backs and a large headrest with four-way adjustment capability.

    In the economy cabin, the new and larger Extended Comfort section, located directly behind Premium features 36 seats with extra legroom and will be separated from the Economy cabin by a cabin divider. Exit row seating in the Economy cabin remains an option for travellers who want the most legroom.

    The standard seating in the Economy cabin offers choices ranging from less space at the back to more space near the front of the cabin, and upgraded seats featuring seatback contouring to maximize legroom, ergonomically designed, contoured bottom and back cushions.

    (Artist rendering. Some features may not be exactly as shown)

    New cabin experience creates more options for Canadians

    In line with the airline’s strategy, a variety and segmentation of seating choices are designed to fit every comfort and budget level and create more options for Canadians. Ultra slim-line seats allow enough space on-board to add one seating row compared to the airline’s prior standard layout, reducing the cost per seat and helping to provide Canadians with affordable fares and optionality.

    “WestJet has always been a pioneer in making air travel available to Canadians, largely through keeping costs low to offer affordable airfares,” said Taylor. “The layout for our refreshed cabin caters to our guests’ diverse preferences. Whether they opt for Premium seating with extra amenities and legroom or for more affordable ticket prices with less space, we’re excited to introduce this range of products for our guests to enjoy.”

    WestJet Rewards members and employees helped select the new seats in January 2023, by testing and sharing their experiences on which options were the most comfortable. A complete cabin prototype was tested in late Summer 2025, and feedback was incorporated to help shape rollout, training and preparation for the launch.

    A game-changing inflight internet experience

    Installation of WestJet Wi-Fi presented by TELUS will complement cabin enhancements on WestJet’s aircraft. The best-in-class, high-speed, low-latency internet technology provides the same reliable streaming-level speeds in the air that guests are used to enjoying on the ground. WestJet Wi-Fi is free for WestJet Rewards members and is already revolutionizing the way guests stream, shop, play and work from the skies.

    Installation of WestJet Wi-Fi across the fleet is ongoing and is planned to be completed on all its Boeing 737-800 and MAX-8 aircraft by the end of 2025. For more information on WestJet’s new cabin configuration, visit westjet.com/en-ca/aircraft/cabin-updates.

  • WestJet secures its largest-ever aircraft order with Boeing

    Sizeable aircraft order to be delivered through 2034 as part of airline’s multi-billion-dollar investment in future growth

    CALGARY, AB, Sept. 3, 2025 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 60 737-10 MAX narrowbody aircraft, with options for an additional 25. The order also includes seven 787-9 Dreamliner widebody aircraft with options for four more as the company advances its growth strategy to build a stronger, resilient low-cost airline that provides Canadians with more choice, more destinations and more value.

    This order increases the airline’s current order book, to 123 aircraft and 40 options, while extending WestJet’s fleet growth plans through 2034.

    “With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet has the largest order book of any airline in Canada and will double our fleet of Dreamliners, underpinning our growth plans and our commitment to affordable travel options for Canadians from coast to coast and exciting career paths for our people,” said WestJet Chief Executive Officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech. “These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption.”

    Since the airline’s inception in 1996, WestJet has been safely and reliably serving millions of Canadians onboard Boeing aircraft. This substantial commitment to WestJet’s growth will allow the airline to continue to build its network and offer affordable options for guests for years to come.

    “We are honored that WestJet has once again placed its trust in Boeing with a major investment that builds on our three decades of partnership and solidifies their fleet for the decades ahead,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to supporting WestJet’s exciting growth as they leverage the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to serve even more guests with great efficiency and comfort.”

    The deal marks future economic benefits on both sides of the border. Canada is one of Boeing’s largest international supply bases, providing aerospace parts for all Boeing commercial airplane models in production, contributing $4 billion in economic benefit to Canada each year, while securing long-term manufacturing jobs in both Canada and the United States.

    “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, while ensuring that WestJet is well-equipped to grow, offer more options for passengers, and better connect Canadians,” said the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.

    Building on WestJet’s already significant investment in its home province Alberta, the airline is continuing to invest and grow its commitment to the province.

    “I’m thrilled to see this historic purchase agreement between WestJet and Boeing. Not only does this represent WestJet’s largest-ever aircraft order, but it also reinforces Alberta’s growing reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a leading aerospace and aviation hub. Alberta remains a place where businesses can grow and thrive for the future. Alberta’s government continues to be a proud partner of WestJet, including recent support for Lufthansa’s milestone engine repair facility investment.” – Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith

    WestJet currently operates 193 passenger aircraft, inclusive of 147 Boeing 737s, seven 787s and 39 De Havilland Q400s. With an average age of approximately 10 years, WestJet’s fleet is among the youngest of established North American carriers.

    WestJet’s Board of Directors approved the order for additional Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to mark the airline’s largest order agreement to-date, and the largest-ever Canadian Boeing order.

    About WestJet

    WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

    As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

    Learn more about WestJet at westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are (also available in French)

  • FLYHT Strengthens Partnership with WestJet for AFIRS™ 228 Order on Boeing 737 MAX-10 Fleet

    Calgary, Alberta – November 13, 2024 – FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX-V: FLY) (OTCQX: FLYLF) (the “Company” or “FLYHT”) today announced that it received an order from WestJet Airlines, Ltd. to install the Company’s TSO approved AFIRS™ 228S satcom solution on WestJet’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft.

    “As we execute on our fleet growth and modernization plan, FLYHT’s Iridium satcom solution provides us with the long-range data and voice communications that we require, while enabling us to maintain fleet commonality across our aircraft types,” said Gandeephan Ganeshalingam, WestJet Vice-President Technical operations. “We are pleased with FLYHT’s solutions on our 737 MAX-8 and 737NG aircraft, and are confident to utilize the product following the delivery of our Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft.”

    “WestJet’s order of the AFIRS 228S TSO for their fleet of Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft expands our long-standing and valued relationship and is the latest demonstration of the strength of our AFIRS 228 product line,” commented Darrel Deane, Chief Revenue Officer at FLYHT. “The solution enables WestJet and other airlines with MAX-10 aircraft on order to install and activate the AFIRS 228S TSO for safety services functions immediately after delivery. This contract deepens our relationship with WestJet and opens up additional growth potential for FLYHT.”

    This increase to the contract previously announced in 2020 is valued at approximately US$900,000, provided that all products and services are delivered over the contract term.

    About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.
    FLYHT provides airlines with Actionable Intelligence to transform operational insight into immediate, quantifiable action, and delivers industry leading solutions to improve aviation safety, efficiency, and profitability. This unique capability is driven by a suite of patented aircraft certified hardware products. These include AFIRS™, an aircraft satcom/interface device that enables cockpit voice communications, real-time aircraft state analysis, and the transmission of aircraft data while inflight. The AFIRS Edge is a state-of-the-art 5G Wireless Quick Access Recorder (WQAR), Aircraft Interface Device (AID), and Aircraft Condition and Monitoring System (ACMS). The Edge can be interfaced with FLYHT’s TAMDAR probe or the FLYHT-WVSS-II relative humidity sensor to deliver airborne weather and humidity data in real-time.

    FLYHT is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, and is an AS9100 Quality registered company. For more information, visit www.flyht.com.

  • The WestJet Group furthers future growth with the addition of three more Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

    Airline continues fleet growth with additional leased aircraft

    CALGARY, AB, Sept. 6, 2024 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced it will acquire three additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, from SMBC Aviation Capital. These aircraft are in addition to the six new-to-WestJet Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft the WestJet Group announced earlier this summer.

    “With our longstanding partner SMBC, we are thrilled to be adding three more Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to our growing fleet as we execute upon our mission of providing affordable air travel options to our guests,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer.

    The acquisition of nine leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in the last six months allows the airline to bolster its plan for fleet growth, while managing delays for direct-from-factory aircraft. Leveraging these additional aircraft and subsequent capacity expansion, the WestJet Group will continue enhancing critical air access for its guests across its growing network.

    “SMBC Aviation Capital is pleased to continue its partnership with WestJet, supporting their fleet expansion with these fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft. These Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will allow WestJet to further grow their network and continue to serve their guests with affordable air travel options. We look forward to many more years of successful partnership with WestJet,” said Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital.

    While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline’s network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airline’s existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible.  

    About WestJet  

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26 countries.  

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

  • Air Canada To Receive Eight Boeing 737-8 Aircraft

    MONTREAL, July 2, 2024 /CNW/ – Air Canada announced today an agreement with BOC Aviation Limited (“BOC Aviation”) for the placement of eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

    “We look forward to these aircraft entering into service next year, upon the completion of some required modifications. These eight, brand-new, fuel- and cost-efficient 737-8s will provide more fleet flexibility and additional capacity while supporting one of our sustainability goals of mitigating emissions,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.  

    Air Canada announced today an agreement with BOC Aviation Limited (“BOC Aviation”) for the placement of eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

    “We are pleased that Canada’s flag carrier, Air Canada, is working with us once again as it strengthens its network,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation. “Continued growth in passenger travel is stimulating demand for aircraft, which we have been able to address for Air Canada in this transaction with eight aircraft delivering from our 100 per cent latest technology orderbook.”

    The eight aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2024 and will undergo required modifications before entering service in 2025. The aircraft will initially operate with a single Economy class layout until they are reconfigured to fully match the onboard experience our customers enjoy in Air Canada’s narrow-body, two-cabin standard at a later date. All eight aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.

    About Air Canada

    Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

    About BOC Aviation

    BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 688 aircraft owned, managed and on order. Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 90 airlines in 45 countries and regions worldwide as at March 31, 2024. BOC Aviation is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx code: 2588) and has its headquarters in Singapore with offices in Dublin, London, New York and Tianjin. For more information, visit www.bocaviation.com.

  • The WestJet Group welcomes two additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to growing fleet

    Airline continues to expand its capacity with additional leased aircraft in 2024

    CALGARY, AB, June 18, 2024 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced it will acquire two additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, one from Aviation Capital Group and one from High Ridge Aviation, to be integrated into the airline’s operations in 2024. Earlier this month, the WestJet Group announced the addition of three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in partnership with BOC Aviation Limited and a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with AerDragon. Today’s announcement adds to the growing list of new-to-WestJet aircraft joining the Group’s fleet this year.

    “In partnership with Aviation Capital Group and High Ridge Aviation, we are thrilled to add these aircraft to our Boeing 737 MAX family, as we further reaffirm our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “Today’s fleet additions are critical to the execution of our ambitious growth strategy as we work to provide more critical air access to Canadians.”

    While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline’s network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines’ existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible. 

    “ACG is proud to expand its partnership with WestJet and to partake in its ambitious growth plans,” said Alan Mangels, Vice President of Marketing for ACG. “The addition of this latest technology aircraft will not only support WestJet’s growth objectives but will also do so in an environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient way.”

    “We’re pleased to support the fleet needs of our long-time friends at WestJet, where our team’s connections date back a quarter century,” shares Greg Conlon, CEO of High Ridge Aviation. “Our highly experienced team and extensive relationships throughout the industry enable us to skillfully manage our fleet.”

    About WestJet
    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26 countries. 

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

  • The WestJet Group welcomes an additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, enhancing fleet expansion plans

    Aircraft expected to join WestJet Group operations in 2024

    CALGARY, AB, June 6, 2024 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced it will acquire a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from aviation leasing company, AerDragon. The aircraft is expected to integrate into the WestJet Group’s fleet and operations in 2024. The aircraft received from AerDragon will add to the growing list of new-to-WestJet aircraft, joining the Group’s fleet this year. 

    “In partnership with AerDragon, we are adding to our Boeing 737 MAX family and building momentum towards supporting our capacity growth plans for 2024,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “Every aircraft added to our fleet means critical air access for Canadians and today’s announcement further reaffirms our mission to provide affordable air travel.”

    While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline’s network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines’ existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible.

    “We are pleased to welcome WestJet to AerDragon’s growing list of customers. We look forward to continuing to support WestJet’s development and building a long-term partnership with the airline.” said Gang Li, AerDragon’s Chief Executive Officer.

    About WestJet

    In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26 countries. 

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

  • The WestJet Group adds three additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to fleet

    Additional aircraft expected to join WestJet Group operations in 2024, supporting capacity growth plans 

    CALGARY, AB, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced it will acquire an additional three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from BOC Aviation Limited. The three aircraft are expected to integrate into the WestJet Group’s fleet and operations in 2024, following the completion of leasing agreements.

    “We have an ambitious growth strategy, and the expansion of our fleet is critical to our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “Working with a trusted partner like BOC Aviation supports us in meeting our growth expectations for 2024.”

    While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline’s network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines’ existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible.

    “We are delighted to support our long-term customer, WestJet, in its network growth,” said Steven Townend Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation. “Our provision of latest technology, fuel efficient aircraft will assist WestJet as it expands its business in the most cost-effective fashion.”

    “Two years ago, we set out a plan for growth that would maintain our position as both Canada’s national leisure champion and western home carrier, while enhancing domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast,” continued Scott. “We are seeing the benefits of our strategy come to life across our network and the consistent growth of our fleet capacity is essential to maintaining our momentum.”

    About WestJet

    In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26 countries. 

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

  • First Person: Air Canada Captain Chad Blewett recounts operating special flight to help evacuate his hometown of Yellowknife

    23 August 2023

    Chad Blewett is a Captain on the Boeing 737 Max for Air Canada, and one of the airline’s first Inuit Captains.

    I had seen the news of the wildfires near Yellowknife and was receiving updates from my family members who were there.

    With a mandatory evacuation being ordered as the fires approached the city, I knew Air Canada would be helping with those efforts. While normally we do not fly the Boeing 737 Max 8 to Yellowknife, our teams found a way to make it happen.

    When I saw flight to Yellowknife flight show up on the schedule, I immediately called crew scheduling and asked them to switch me from my assigned flight to Honolulu so that I could operate into Yellowknife instead.

    Not only is Yellowknife where I am from, but the airport there is where I grew up as a pilot, and I have flown thousands of hours into Yellowknife, including on older model 737s.

    So, when the chief pilot called me, and said that we had special authorization to do the first Air Canada 737 Max flight into Yellowknife, I knew I had to be on it, and that it would be no problem flying into, or out of.

    Flying into Yellowknife from Vancouver, I was excited to be back, but a little anxious as well, just with the whole situation happening on the ground. We had extra support with us on the flight, including a maintenance engineer, as well as four baggage handlers to expedite the loading in Yellowknife.

    As I was flying in, I was thinking about my family because my dad, my brother are still up there, my uncles and my cousins were visiting, and I was just thinking about them. I saw family inside the terminal, and they seemed calm despite everything that was going on. They said they would be leaving town the next morning.

    When I made my announcement to the passengers, one of them recognized my name and let the flight attendants know. So once we were at cruise altitude, I went back and saw that it was an old colleague of mine from the local airline. I asked how she was doing and she mentioned that she was ok, but that her husband was staying behind to help with the evacuation.

    Flying directly over the fire on departure, and seeing how close it was to town, was very concerning. It is pretty tough to see, you think it’s never going to happen to you or your family. But I knew that the first responders on the ground would do their best to protect the city, my hometown.

    I am proud of my airline’s efforts to help, as these special flights were put in within 24 hours of the evacuation order. It was an unforgettable experience, doing my small part to get friends, family, and everyone out safely during this difficult time.