WestJet announced today a definitive purchase agreement with The Boeing Company for up to 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This agreement includes commitments for 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft to be delivered between the first quarter of 2019 and December 2021, with options for an additional 10 aircraft to be delivered between 2020 and 2024.
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As part of this purchase agreement, WestJet is converting 15 firm orders for the Boeing 737 MAX that were to be delivered between 2019 and 2021 to options available between 2022 and 2024.
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Originally Posted by Gregg Saretsky
"This order represents an exciting new chapter in WestJet's history," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "We have carefully executed on our strategic plan, first launching WestJet Encore to connect smaller communities across Canada to our growing network followed by our successful venture into wide-body flying to Hawaii and London Gatwick. Now, with the most sophisticated commercial airliner available, we turn our attention to further growing our international presence and introducing even more travellers to our award-winning guest experience."
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Fantastic news for Westjet. I was really hoping they would get some dreamliners for their long haul routes. This makes me curious about what they have planned for expansion into Europe or Asia.
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That's far from surprising the leases of old 767's was clearly to test the market to see if long haul would have demand. Once you see that it does buy the better fuel efficient newer aircraft.
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They didn't lease the 4 767's, they bought them outright. Which is why I think they may not go away once the 787's arrive. If, and that's a big if, they get the mech issues sorted (and the trend seems to be indicating that) on them perhaps they get a new lease on life at the Ultra Low Cost Carrier if that gets going.
WestJet converting some of the 737 Max orders to 787 indicates to me they are going to utilize them where some 737's currently operate. Would not surprise me to see them on YYC-YYZ and YVR-YYZ domestically (the 767 already is used YYC-YYZ at times). So some overseas expansion and some domestic upgrades would be a reasonable guess. They have what, 65 737 Max on order which now drops to 50, plus options.
WestJet converting some of the 737 Max orders to 787 indicates to me they are going to utilize them where some 737's currently operate. Would not surprise me to see them on YYC-YYZ and YVR-YYZ domestically (the 767 already is used YYC-YYZ at times). So some overseas expansion and some domestic upgrades would be a reasonable guess. They have what, 65 737 Max on order which now drops to 50, plus options.
They didn't so much convert the 737 Max orders to 789s. Instead of the firm 737 MAX orders, they have just become options instead.
Are they offering meals on those new long haul routes is the real question.
Well the new 737 MAX orders are coming with ovens on board, and the 800 series NG aircraft are getting them installed. So I'm guessing that we could be looking at a pretty comprehensive change across the mainline to offer a true business class product on board most of the fleet.
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All I'm thinking about with the WestJet announcement is that they really need to update their levy and possibly their logo. With Air Canada's updating theirs, I can't help but think WestJet's is feeling dated. I don't believe they've changed it since they've begun?
All I'm thinking about with the WestJet announcement is that they really need to update their levy and possibly their logo. With Air Canada's updating theirs, I can't help but think WestJet's is feeling dated. I don't believe they've changed it since they've begun?
They have slightly changed it. When they started the 767 ops they changed their chevron logo on the front to a maple leaf shape. It's been rolling out on all the aircraft since when they go in for bigger maintenance.
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Good news. I hope it works out well. I just hope the pilots don't accept a lower level of pay than other widebody opera store. I don't want it to erode the industry pay further.
I can also see this being used as a bargaining chip against the unionization.
All I'm thinking about with the WestJet announcement is that they really need to update their levy and possibly their logo. With Air Canada's updating theirs, I can't help but think WestJet's is feeling dated. I don't believe they've changed it since they've begun?
Rumour has it a new livery will be unveiled on the 787.
