CALGARY, CANADA — Canada's second-largest airline operator WestJet announced that it had placed an order for an additional 42 Boeing 737 MAX jets with options for 22 more aircraft of the same type. The airline currently operates 18 737 MAX 8s and has 23 MAXs on order waiting to be delivered.


The order came as part of WestJet's fleet growth plans until 2028.

According to delivery schedules of the previous and new orders, WestJet will add at least 65 B737 MAX jets to its single-aisle fleet over the next six years, of which 50 will be the MAX series' largest variant, 737 MAX 10.

"WestJet's expansion plans are rooted in an enhanced presence in Western Canada and a growth strategy in eastern Canadian communities through increased transcontinental flights and more direct routes to sun and leisure destinations. This will be further strengthened once our Sunwing transaction has been approved,"

said WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech.

WestJet's all-B737 fleet consists of 43 B737-700s, 39 B737-800s, and 18 B737 MAX8. Boeing's newer-generation narrowbodies will deliver superior economic advantages to older-generation B737s in the airline's fleet while offering unification in crew training and aircraft maintenance.


"The 737 MAX 10 will provide WestJet with additional capacity and unrivaled efficiency as the airline further expands its network of destinations across Canada and internationally. WestJet understands the value of the 737 MAX family, with the 737 MAX 10 set to perfectly complement the outstanding capability and flexibility already afforded by the 737-8, along with improved sustainability across its fleet," 

said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is expected to boost WestJet's low-cost positioning in the market thanks to its lower fuel consumption and enhanced passenger capacity.

With an average age under ten years, the WestJet fleet owns one of the youngest fleets among the North American carriers.