Aircraft manufacturer Boeing and Canadian airline WestJet announced the largest aircraft order in the Canadian airline's history on September 3, 2025. The comprehensive agreement includes the purchase of 67 new aircraft, including 60 Boeing 737 Max 10s and seven 787-9 Dreamliners.
With this strategic investment, which includes options for 29 additional aircraft, WestJet is significantly expanding its fleet and solidifying its position as the largest Boeing customer in Canada. The order, which is scheduled for delivery by 2034, is a clear signal of the airline's growth plans, which aim to expand both its domestic and international route network. For Boeing, the order represents a strengthening of a nearly three-decade-long business relationship and an important endorsement of the 737-10 and 787-9 models.
A strategic fleet renewal and expansion
The order, which has now been approved, is the result of WestJet's long-term strategy aimed at renewing its fleet while simultaneously increasing capacity. With the new aircraft, WestJet's total number of aircraft on firm order from Boeing increases to 123. This underscores the airline's deep commitment to the American aircraft manufacturer and the strategic focus of the fleet on its products. The choice of models is no coincidence: The Boeing 737-10, the largest member of the 737 family, is considered the most cost-effective narrow-body aircraft per seat, making it ideal for WestJet's business model. The airline plans to use these aircraft primarily on domestic and international routes to offer increased capacity there.
In addition to strengthening its short- and medium-haul fleet, WestJet is also focusing on expanding its long-haul services. The order for seven 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option for four more, will double the airline's Dreamliner fleet. WestJet currently operates seven of these wide-body aircraft, which are primarily used for long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The expansion of the 787 fleet is crucial to WestJet's goal of expanding its international connections and entering new markets.
Background to the decision
The decision to place such a comprehensive order comes at a time when WestJet has strategically repositioned itself under the leadership of CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. The former CEO of Austrian Airlines has set himself the goal of establishing WestJet as a leading low-cost carrier with a global long-haul offering. A key part of this strategy is focusing on Calgary as a global hub. Von Hoensbroech's plan to double the airline's size within five years is now being confirmed by this massive aircraft order. Deliveries of the new aircraft are planned until 2034, ensuring long-term capacity expansion. WestJet, which began operations in 1996 with just three Boeing 737s, has since grown into one of Canada's largest aviation companies and currently operates one of the youngest fleets among the major North American airlines.
However, ordering the 737-10 models is not without risk, as certification for this aircraft type is still pending. Development of the 737-10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family, has been delayed by various factors. According to recent reports, final certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not expected before 2026. Nevertheless, WestJet appears to play a key role as the so-called launch customer for this model in North America. With this order, the airline has clearly committed to the aircraft type, even though the certification process is being scrutinized by the public and regulators. This decision demonstrates the confidence in Boeing and the belief that the 737-10 will play a vital role in future fleet planning.
For Boeing, which has faced challenges in production and certification processes in recent years, this order is a much-needed vote of confidence. Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, emphasized the long-standing partnership and the importance of the order in solidifying WestJet's fleet planning for the coming decades. The agreement, reportedly worth over ten billion US dollars, not only secures jobs in the United States but also has economic benefits for Canada.
The impact on air traffic
The expansion of WestJet's fleet is expected to have a significant impact on Canadian and international air travel. The airline aims to offer affordable travel options while increasing the density of its route network. The 737-10, with its increased seating capacity, will create the opportunity to carry more passengers on popular routes, potentially leading to increased competition and lower fares.
At the same time, doubling the long-haul fleet with Dreamliners will enable direct competition with other providers on lucrative transatlantic and transpacific routes. This positions WestJet as a serious competitor to traditional airlines. The strategy of focusing on international connections from Calgary reflects the city's growing importance as a global hub and offers travelers from Western Canada more direct and convenient travel options. The order is therefore not only a commercial decision, but also a commitment to the vision of sustainably transforming the Canadian aviation landscape.