CALGARY, ALBERTA — WestJet Cargo today welcomed the arrival of its first of four Boeing Converted Freighter (B737-800BCF) aircraft on lease from BBAM Limited Partnership (BBAM).

WestJet Cargo is the first operator in Canada to operate the B737-800BCF which will be used for express cargo and e-commerce freight.

"The delivery of our first freighter to our home base in Calgary, Alberta gives us great confidence in the growth and development of our commercial cargo service and I am eager to see our new dedicated commercial cargo service take flight as we begin providing competitive services to cargo customers across Canada," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet CEO.

Prior to its delivery to WestJet Cargo in Calgary, the first aircraft (MSN 34686) completed conversion by Boeing at an approved MRO facility in Guangzhou, China. WestJet Cargo plans to have all four BCFs in service by the end of 2022.

"BBAM is excited to partner with our long-time customer WestJet as they launch WestJet Cargo. This is our first North American placement of the Boeing 737-800BCF, an important milestone for BBAM's industry-leading freighter program," said Steve Zissis, President and CEO of BBAM.

Leveraging its quick-to-load and fly narrow body aircraft, the 737-800 equipped with CFM56-7B engines will enable WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility, and frequency for its customers. WestJet Cargo routes and scheduled services will accommodate the diverse needs of cargo customers using WestJet's existing network and highly skilled 737 pilots.

"WestJet Cargo's mission is to provide our customers with the reliable on-time performance and competitive cost advantage synonymous with the WestJet brand and I look forward to our continued partnership with BBAM, as we witness our dedicated freighters provide our customers increased reliability, flexibility, and capacity to transport their diverse shipments to their chosen destination," continued von Hoensbroech.

WestJet announced its new dedicated cargo service, using 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), to fulfill the larger-scale needs of Canadian businesses, freight forwarders, shippers, and individual customers in June 2021.