The WestJet Group has announced plans to acquire three additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital. The aircraft lease deal is a strategic move to continue the airline’s growth strategy amid continued factory delivery delays.
This latest acquisition comes on the heels of six new Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes announced earlier this summer, bringing the total to nine new aircraft in just six months.
Leasing and Fleet Growth Strategy
Mike Scott, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the WestJet Group, offered comment about the deal. “We’re excited to add these Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to our growing fleet,” Scott said. “This expansion aligns with our goal of providing affordable air travel options to our guests.”
The airline’s fleet growth strategy aims to manage delays in direct-from-factory aircraft deliveries. By leasing these additional planes, WestJet can enhance its capacity and improve air access for passengers across its expanding network.
Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, highlighted the benefits of the partnership. “These fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft will enable WestJet to grow their network and continue offering affordable travel options,” Flannery stated. “We look forward to many more years of successful collaboration.”
While the extra capacity will benefit WestJet’s passengers, the new aircraft won’t immediately feature the airline’s signature interior cabin experience.
However, WestJet plans to prioritize updating and refreshing the cabins as part of its ongoing fleet reconfiguration efforts. This approach aims to ensure a consistent experience for guests across all operations as soon as possible.
About WestJet
WestJet’s journey began 27 years ago with just three aircraft, 250 employees, and five destinations. Today, the airline boasts an impressive fleet of over 180 aircraft, employs 14,000 people, and serves more than 100 destinations across 26 countries.
Throughout its history, WestJet has played a significant role in making air travel more accessible to Canadians. It has effectively halved airfares and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 percent.
As WestJet continues to expand its fleet and network, the airline remains committed to its founding principles of affordability and accessibility.
The addition of these new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft represents another strategic step forward in WestJet’s continued growth strategy.
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