WestJet modernizes fleet with 65 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes
SEATTLE, 27 Sept. 2013. Boeing (NYSE:BA) filled an order, valued at $6.3 billion at list prices from WestJet, for 65 Boeing 737 MAX commercial jets. The 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes and 25 Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft are key components of the Calgary-based airline's fleet renewal initiative.
"We look forward to being among the first North American airlines to fly the 737 MAX in 2017," says WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "The increased fuel efficiency and enhanced in-cabin amenities provided by the Boeing 737 MAX will contribute to both lower operating costs and a remarkable in-flight guest experience which is supportive of our low-cost business model and combined with our lease renewal options, maintains our fleet plan flexibility going forward."
The 737 MAX features CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver high efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 percent fuel-use improvement over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes, according to a company spokesperson.
"The 737 MAX is an excellent complement to the WestJet fleet and its low-cost business model," says Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The airplane's efficiency, reliability, and passenger amenities will enable WestJet to continue to provide its customers high-quality service at a low cost."
The WestJet order brings the total number of 737 MAX orders to date to 1,567 airplanes.
Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
