WestJet orders Boeing aircraft

Boeing and Canadian airline WestJet have announced an order for 14 additional Next-Generation 737-700s in a deal estimated to be worth between $819m and $973m at list prices.

Boeing and Canadian airline WestJet have announced an order for 14 additional Next-Generation 737-700s in a deal estimated to be worth between $819m (£497m) and $973m at list prices.

The airline, which announced a plan on 24 August to defer 16 leased and direct-purchase aircraft, currently flies 81 Next-Generation 737s.

‘The new order of Boeing 737-700s will enable us to continue serving our guests with one of the most modern fleets in the air,’ said Sean Durfy, WestJet president and chief executive officer. ‘At the same time, we’ll have enhanced flexibility to deliver on our vision of becoming one of the top five airlines in the world by 2016.’

Including the order announced on 24 August, WestJet has 54 additional Next-Generation 737s scheduled for delivery.

Earlier this year, Boeing announced performance enhancements to the Next-Generation 737, which will reduce fuel consumption by two per cent by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements.