WestJet Accepts Delivery of First New 737-600 Aircraft

August 9, 2005

WestJet , Canada's leading low-cost airline, took formal delivery of its first new Boeing Next-Generation 737-600 aircraft yesterday. In 2005, the airline will accept delivery of a total of five 737-800s, seven 737-700s (four of which have already been delivered) and three 737-600s.

Beginning in March 2006, WestJet will operate a fleet comprised exclusively of state-of-the-art Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft equipped with more legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu on its 700-series aircraft. The airline currently operates 46 Next-Generation aircraft in its fleet of 55 aircraft. Westjet currently has 10 737-200 aircraft remaining in its fleet, all of which will be replaced by Next-Generation 737 aircraft by March 2006.

The 737-600, which has a seating capacity of 119, will allow WestJet to add limited capacity on newer routes and between smaller centres. The 737-800 has 166 seats, the 737-700 has 136 seats and the 737-200 has 125 seats.

Tim Morgan, WestJet's Executive Vice-President of Operations, said " We are very pleased to be extending our family of Boeing 737 aircraft. Our airline will be able to better serve numerous markets of varying distance with seasonal fluctuations in demand by adding the Boeing Next-Generation 737-600 model to our current fleet. The increased fuel efficiency and guest comforts offered by the new 600 series aircraft will also help Westjet continue to be travellers' first choice for affordable and friendly travel.

WestJet's Next-Generation aircraft are 30% more fuel efficient on an available seat mile basis, while offering guests greater legroom, a quieter ride and leather seats.

WestJet is Canada's leading low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout its 34-city North American network. Named Canada's most respected corporation for customer service in 2005, WestJet pioneered low-cost high-value flying in Canada. With increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television on its 737-700 fleet, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.

FlyForLess is not affiliated with any media companies nor does it represent or work for WestJet. This article is published with the sole purpose of making information available for those who wish to stay informed on WestJet's actualities.