Big changes at WestJet as it expands fleet

It was a landmark day on Feb. 14 at WestJet’s main base in Calgary, Alta., as the airline unveiled the newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It was 23 years ago when WestJet first took flight with three well-used B737-200s and a route structure of three destinations.

Today, the airline provides service to more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, served with 177 aircraft. WestJet’s first 787, tail number 901, is appropriately named after Clive Beddoe, chairman of the board and the leading visionary in the creation and development of the company.

WestJet has 10 firm orders and 10 options with Boeing for 787-9s; three are due this year and seven more over the next two years.

The 787 is a game-changer for WestJet as it transitions from a low-cost domestic airline taking a giant leap into the long-haul international market. The 787 is a new technology aircraft featuring a 6,000-foot (1,828-metre) cabin altitude, large electronically controlled dimmable window shades and a host of other unique features all designed for passenger comfort.

The aircraft’s airframe, engine, electrical system, and pressurization are a radical departure from other aircraft. Boeing designed the aircraft for maximum efficiency using a large quantity of carbon fibre composites to reduce weight.

To reduce inherent drag on the tail, Boeing developed a proprietary method that redirects air flow across the tail by utilizing miniature perforations on the vertical and horizontal leading edges, much like the theory around the dimples on a golf ball.

The General Electric GenX engine, developed specifically for the 787 is extremely fuel efficient and quiet. These innovations and a host of others have created a passenger-friendly and fuel efficient aircraft. The operating cost per passenger is somewhere between 15 and 20 per cent less than the B767-300, and the aircraft has a range of 14,000 kilometres carrying 320 passengers — 58 more than the 767.

Perhaps the most significant change will be in the guest experience. The aircraft has three distinct categories starting with 16 private seat pods in the business cabin in a 1-2-1 configuration. The premium cabin has 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and a larger seat with more leg room than in WestJet’s premium seats in the 737s. The two economy cabins have a 3-3-3 configuration for a total of 276 seats that are also wider and feature a longer seat pitch than the 737 fleet.

A full meal service will be provided to all passengers, with the business cabin passengers being served on an on-demand schedule. All seats on the 787 have a large LCD screen along with an added video handset providing a second video option. Each cabin design reflects a characteristic of Canada with appropriate music and sounds such as the Canadian Loon.

First revenue flights will be between Calgary and Toronto, Ont., starting on Feb. 20, and the first international flight to Gatwick, England, will be on April 28. A new direct flight from Calgary to Paris, France, will start May 17.

Tail number 902 will arrive in Toronto for Transport Canada familiarization on Feb. 19.