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WestJet chalked up another milestone today with the delivery of its 100th Boeing Next Generation aircraft. The B737-800 C-GAWS will be very visible with the proud announcement painted on its sides.
“This Next-Generation 737-800 marks a major milestone for our airline,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet’s president and CEO. “The Boeing 737 is a key component in our growth strategy and its excellent reliability, operational efficiency and range have enabled us to expand our trusted brand throughout North America, Central America and the Caribbean. As we take delivery of our 100th Next-Generation aircraft, I want to thank our more than 9,000 WestJetters for their caring attitude and unwavering commitment to deliver a remarkable guest experience and drive industry-leading results for our airline.”
WestJet launched in 1996 with three Boeing 737-200s and operated a total of 23 200-series aircraft before retiring the last one in December, 2005. It took delivery of its first Boeing Next-Generation 737 in June 2001 and today, its fleet of 100 aircraft consists entirely of Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The term “next generation” refers to the third generation of the Boeing 737. WestJet’s Next-Generation fleet has flown more than a billion miles, which amounts to ten trips to the sun or 41,000 rotations around the earth. With one of the youngest fleets in the airline industry, WestJet has flown over 110 million passengers, more than three times Canada’s population.
“The growth of WestJet over the past 17 years is truly remarkable,” said Brad McMullen, vice-president of North America sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are pleased to see the 737 play an integral role in WestJet’s success. WestJet has made the Next-Generation 737 the foundation of its fleet and has established a strong operational track record with the airplane.”
