CALGARY- WestJet Group (WS) has announced the acquisition of three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital.
This purchase follows the company’s recent announcement of six new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft earlier this summer, bringing the total to nine new aircraft in the past six months.
WestJet Boeing 737 MAX
Mike Scott, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of WestJet Group, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. He emphasized the company’s commitment to providing affordable air travel options to customers through this fleet growth.
The acquisition strategy allows WestJet to manage delays in direct-from-factory aircraft deliveries while bolstering its fleet expansion plans. This move will enable the airline to enhance critical air access for passengers across its expanding network.
Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, highlighted the continued partnership with WestJet. He noted that these fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft would support WestJet’s network growth and affordable travel offerings.
While the additional aircraft will immediately increase capacity across WestJet’s network, the interior cabins may not initially reflect the airline’s standard experience.
WestJet has prioritized updating and refreshing these interiors as part of its existing fleet reconfiguration plans to ensure a consistent experience for passengers across its operations.
Destinations and Fleet
WestJet has emerged as a powerhouse in the Canadian aviation industry, capturing approximately 33% of the market capacity share as of 2023. The airline continues to expand its footprint, growing this share by 3-4% annually, solidifying its position as a major player in the Canadian air travel sector.
The airline’s journey began in 1996 with a modest fleet of three aircraft, a workforce of just over 200 employees, and service to five destinations. In the years since WestJet has revolutionized the Canadian aviation landscape by introducing a low-cost travel model that has dramatically altered the industry dynamics.
WestJet’s innovative approach has yielded significant results, effectively halving airfares across the country. This strategic move has not only made air travel more accessible but has also contributed to a remarkable increase in Canada’s flying population, boosting it by more than 50 percent.
Today, WestJet stands as a testament to its successful growth strategy. The airline now boasts a workforce of over 14,000 employees, affectionately known as WestJetters, who support a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft including its subsidiary.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) based WestJet currently operates a fleet of 39 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and in total a fleet of 134 aircraft.
This expansion has enabled WestJet to broaden its reach significantly, now connecting passengers to more than 100 destinations across a diverse range of regions including North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
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