WestJet: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|CanadianAirline airlineof Canada; based in Calgary, Alberta}}

| secondary_hubs = {{ubl|class=nowrap

| {{nowrap|[[Edmonton International Airport|Edmonton]]}}

| {{nowrap|[[Toronto PearsonVancouver International Airport|Toronto–PearsonVancouver]]}}

| focus_cities |= {{ubl|class=nowrap
| [[Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport|Winnipeg]]}}

| subsidiaries = {{ubl|class=nowrap

| {{nowrap|[[Sunwing Airlines]]}}

| {{nowrap|[[WestJet Encore]]}}Cargo

| {{nowrap|[[WestJet LinkEncore]]}}

| fleet_size = 185180 (including subsidiaries[[WestJet Encore|Encore]]) <ref name="fleet"/>

| operating_income = {{decrease}} CAN$155&nbsp;million (2018)

| net_income = {{decrease}} CAN$91&nbsp;million (2018)

| assets = {{increase}} CAN$6.758&nbsp;billion (2018)

| equity = {{increase}} CAN$2.302&nbsp;billion (2018)

| num_employees = 1214,000 (JanuaryMay 2024)<ref>{{cite news |last= Global Media|first= PAX|date= 2024-01-26|title= WestJet named one of Canada's best employers by ForbesCite web|url= https://newswww.paxeditionsnewswire.comca/news-releases/airline/the-westjet-namedgroup-onesays-canadasannyeong-besthaseyo-employersto-forbessouth-korea-with-first-flight-between-calgary-and-seoul-872111636.html |work title=The WestJet Group says Annyeong-haseyo to South Korea with first flight between Calgary and Seoul Forbes|location website=Cision Calgary,Canada AB| access-date= 18 May 2024-01-26}}</ref>

| website = {{URL|www.westjet.com|westjet.com}}

'''WestJet Airlines''', founded in 1994 and headquartered in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]],<ref>"[https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/airlines/westjet-ws]." CAPA. Retrieved on October 3, 2017. "WestJet Airline Profile."</ref> is the second-largest airline in [[Canada]].<ref>{{Cite Itweb began|date=2023-12-05 operations|title=Back into 1996Basics: withHow justAlexis overvon 200Hoensbroech employeesis andSteering three aircraft as a low-cost alternative to the countryWestJet's majorTransformation airlines|url=https://businesstravelerusa.com/profiles/alexis-von-hoensbroech-westjet/ Since|access-date=2024-04-28 then,|website=Business WestJetTraveler hasUSA pioneered|language=en}}</ref> low-costIt travelbegan operations in Canada,1996 cuttingwith airfares220 inemployees, halfthree aircraft, and increasingfive thedestinations.<ref flyingname=":0">{{Cite populationweb in|title=Our Canadahistory by|url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are/history more|access-date=2024-04-28 than|website=www.westjet.com 50|language=en}}</ref> perIt cent.was Today,launched moreas thana 14,000low-cost WestJettersalternative supportto the airline’scountry's nearlymajor 200airlines.<ref>{{cite aircraft,news connecting|date=2015-07-28 guests|title=Canadian globallyLow-Cost toCarrier overDeparts 100From destinationsNo-Frills acrossModel North|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/westjet-airlines-profit-climbs-19-1438083009 America,|access-date=2015-11-17 Central|newspaper=Wall AmericaStreet andJournal}}</ref> the CaribbeanToday, Europe and Asia. WestJet operates [[Airline|scheduled]], [[Airair charter|charter]], and [[Cargo airline|cargo]] air service, transporting more than 25 million passengers per year.<ref operatingname="auto1">{{cite moreweb than|title=WestJet 5002018 flightsAnnual perReport day,|url=https://www.westjet.com/assets/wj-web/documents/en/investorMedia/WestJet-2018-Annual-Report.pdf solidifying|access-date=11 itsFebruary position2019}}</ref> asThe theairline [[Listhas ofa largestsignificant airlinesdomestic inand Northinternational America|eighth-largestnetwork, airlinewhich inserves over 100 destinations across [[North America]], by[[Caribbean]], frequency[[Europe]], [[Asia]], and [[Central America]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=WhoRoute we aremap |url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/whoflights/route-we-aremap |access-date=2024-0504-1328 |website=www.westjet.com |language=en}}</ref> WestJet has an average of 777<ref name="auto">{{Cite news |title=WestJet unveils its Dreamliner 'Spirit of Canada' to the world |url=http://westjet.mediaroom.com/2018-05-08-WestJet-unveils-its-Dreamliner-Spirit-of-Canada-to-the-world |access-date=2018-06-15 |language=en}}</ref> flights per day, solidifying its position as the [[List of largest airlines in North America|eighth-largest airline in North America]] by frequency.

InWestJet's Mayfleet 2023,primarily WestJetconsists expandedof its[[Boeing reach737]] furtheraircraft with([[Boeing the737 acquisitionNext ofGeneration|Next Generation]] and [[SunwingBoeing Airlines737 MAX|SunwingMAX]] families), and the [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=WestJetOur Group completes acquisition of Sunwingaircraft |url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/news/2023/westjet-group-completes-acquisition-of-sunwingaircraft |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.westjet.com |language=en}}</ref> aThe Canadian737 leisureis airline.well-suited Thisfor integrationits isextensive expectedlist toof beshort completedand bymedium-haul October 2024routes, bringingwhile Sunwing'sthe staff787 andis aircraftmainly underused thefor WestJetits long-haul flights, with some bannerexceptions.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Memon |first=Dr Omar |date=20232024-0904-3028 |title=SunwingWestJet AirlinesFlights Toand BeDestinations Fully- Incorporated Into WestJet By October 2024FlightConnections |url=https://simpleflyingwww.flightconnections.com/sunwingroute-airlines-integrationmap-westjet-october-2024/ws |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Simple Flyingwww.flightconnections.com |language=en}}</ref>

WestJet's fleethas primarilytwo consistsdirect ofsubsidiaries: [[BoeingWestJet 737Encore]] aircraft ([[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Next Generation]] and [[Boeing 737 MAX|MAX]] families), and the [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=OurDe aircraftHavilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) |url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/aircraft/dehavilland-dash-8-400 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.westjet.com |language=en}}</ref> Thewhich 737operates isthe well-suited[[Bombardier forQ400]] itson extensive[[WestJet listEncore ofdestinations|routes]] shortin and[[Western medium-haul routesCanada]], whileand theWestJet 787Cargo iswhich mainlyoperates usedfour for[[Cargo itsaircraft|Boeing long737-haul800 flightsBCF]], withwhich somewere exceptions.<ref>{{Citepreviously webused |date=2024-04-28as |title=WestJet Flightspassenger aircraft and Destinationsconverted -for FlightConnectionscargo |url=https://wwwuse.flightconnections.com/route-map-westjet-ws |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.flightconnections.com |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2019, WestJet hasAirlines onewas directacquired by Kestrel Bidco Inc., a subsidiary: of [[Onex Corporation]]. This acquisition resulted in WestJet Encoretransitioning from a publicly traded company on the [[Toronto Stock Exchange|Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)]], under the symbol "WJA" to a [[Privately held company|private company]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-26 |title=DeWestJet HavillandStock DashIs 8-400No (Q400)Longer Listed: Here's How to Bet on it Anyway! |url=https://wwwca.westjetfinance.yahoo.com/en-canews/aircraft/dehavillandwestjet-dashstock-8no-400longer-listed-180019237.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.westjet.comYahoo Finance |language=en-CA}}</ref> which operates the [[Bombardier Q400]]

WestJet is not a member of any major [[Airline alliance|airline alliances]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matt |date=2024-02-26 |title=Airlines Partners of WestJet (updated February 26, 2024) |url=https://pointshogger.com/airlines-partners-of-westjet-updated-february-26-2024/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Pointshogger |language=en-US}}</ref> such as [[Star Alliance]], [[Oneworld]], or [[OneworldSkyTeam]]. However, it utilizes [[Codeshare agreement|codeshare]] and [[Interlining|interline]] agreements with various airlines. These agreements allow WestJet to place its flight code on flights operated by other airlines, and vice versa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our airline partners |url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are/airline-partners |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.westjet.com |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2011, WestJet won an auction for time slots at New York's [[LaGuardia Airport]] ushering in a return to service to [[New York City|New York]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Jang |first=Brent |date=2011-11-23 |title=WestJet wins coveted LaGuardia slots in New York City - The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/westjet-wins-coveted-laguardia-slots-in-new-york-city/article2246457article4184104/ |location=Toronto |work=The Globe and Mail | firstlocation=Brent | last=Jang | title=WestJet wins coveted LaGuardia slots in New York City - The Globe and Mail | date=2011-11-23Toronto}}</ref> Details of WestJet's scheduled service to LaGuardia were officially announced in January 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/911741/westjet-announces-service-to-laguardia |title=WestJet &#124; WestJet announces service to LaGuardia |publisher=Newswire.ca |access-date=2012-05-23 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221234942/http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/911741/westjet-announces-service-to-laguardia |url-status=dead }}</ref> From 2012 to 2014, WestJet further expanded into the United States by adding [[Chicago]] via [[O'Hare International Airport]], [[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]], [[Myrtle Beach International Airport]], and New York's [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]].

On May 8, 2018, WestJet announced that it would be adding the [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner|Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner]] to its fleet. The first aircraft was delivered to the airline in January 2019.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news |title=WestJet unveils its Dreamliner 'Spirit of Canada' to the world |url=http://westjet.mediaroom.com/2018-05-08-WestJet-unveils-its-Dreamliner-Spirit-of-Canada-to-the-world |access-date=2018-06-15 |language=en}}</ref>

On May 10, 2018, WestJet's unionized pilots voted 91 percent in favour of strike action. The key issue in negotiations was the outsourcing of work to operate the new[[Swoop (airline)|Swoop]] carriersaircraft.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/westjet-pilots-vow-not-to-disrupt-long-weekend-as-a-goodwill-gesture-1.3924225|title=WestJet Pilots Vow Not to Disrupt Long Weekend as a Goodwill Gesture|date=2018-05-10|work=[[CTV News]]|access-date=2018-05-11}}</ref> On May 25, 2018, WestJet and the [[Air Line Pilots Association, International|Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)]] agreed to a settlement process through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://westjet.mediaroom.com/2018-05-25-Settlement-process-reached-between-WestJet-Pilots-and-WestJet|title=Settlement process reached between WestJet Pilots and WestJet|access-date=2018-06-15|language=en}}</ref>

On May 14, 2018, WestJet announced new 2-2 [[Premium Economy]] seatsseating to replace theits ''Plus''previous 3-3 seats, itswhich currenthad premiuma economymiddle offeringseat blocker. The new seats feature a wider 2-2 configuration on the Boeing 737 aircraft. EntryThe intooffering servicebegan on theits Boeing 737 MAX -8 aircraft was planned for fall 2018, and the rest of the Boeing 737s would follow in 2019. However, entry into service has been delayed until winter 2018.,<ref name="WJComfortRedifined">{{cite web |title=Comfort Redefined |url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/inflight/comfortredefined?sm_cid=social:brand:comfort-redefined:youtube |website=WestJet |access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref> with all 737s being reconfigured by 2020.

On May 31, 2018, WestJet operated its first flight to [[Continental Europe|mainland Europe]] with the inaugural flight from [[Halifax Stanfield International Airport]] to [[Paris]]' [[Charles de Gaulle Airport]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://westjet.mediaroom.com/2018-06-01-WestJet-launches-first-flight-to-the-City-of-Light|title=WestJet launches first flight to the City of Light|access-date=2018-06-15|language=en}}</ref>

In March 2020, WestJet suspended all international flights,<ref>{{cite news|title=WestJet to suspend all international and U.S. flights for 30 days starting Sunday|url=https://business.financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/westjet-to-suspend-all-international-and-u-s-flights-for-30-days-starting-march-22|publisher=National Post|date=17 March 2020}}</ref> resulting in widespread workforce adjustments. Approximately half of the employees, totaling 6,900, were laid off on March 24.<ref>{{citation|title=WestJetters step up to minimize layoffs during COVID-19 crisis|url=https://blog.westjet.com/westjetters-step-up-to-minimize-layoffs-during-covid-19-crisis/|publisher=WestJet|date=24 March 2020}}</ref> Subsequently, on April 9, WestJet temporarily rehired 6,400 employees through the federal wage subsidy program (CEWS).<ref>{{cite news|title=WestJet plans to use federal wage subsidy to rehire 6,400 employees|url=https://calgaryherald.com/business/air-canada-to-use-federal-wage-subsidy-to-re-hire-employees-westjet-still-evaluating/|publisher=Calgary Herald|date=9 April 2020}}</ref> Additional layoffs followed, with approximately 8,000 employees between April and June,<ref>{{cite news|title='Last resort': WestJet laying off 1,700 pilots|url=https://calgaryherald.com/business/last-resort-westjet-laying-off-1700-pilots/|publisher=Calgary Herald|date=17 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=WestJet to lay off 3,000 more employees as demand for service craters|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/westjet-layoffs-1.5541755|publisher=CBC|date=22 April 2020}}</ref> as part of a restructuring plan, leaving only 4,500 employees on the payroll. Prior to the pandemic, WestJet employed over 14,000 individuals.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stephenson |first1=Amanda |title=WestJet employee head count down to 25% of pre-COVID levels |url=https://calgaryherald.com/business/westjet-employee-head-count-down-to-25-of-pre-covid-levels |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=Calgary Herald |date=22 April 2020 |language=en-CA}}</ref> By February 2021, the company laid off an additional 250 staff members due to ongoing travel restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=cn|date=February 6, 2021|title=WestJet Lays Off More Staff And Cabin Crew|url=https://simpleflying.com/westjet-additional-layoffs/|access-date=|website=SimpleJune Flying2024}}</ref> However, it's noteworthy that a majority of employees were successfully recalled by February 2022, reflecting the company's efforts in adapting to the challenging circumstances.

On September 29, 2022, WestJet announced it had placed an order for an additional 42 [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 10]] aircraft, making the airline's narrowbody order book the largest in Canada<ref name=":1" />. On October 6, 2022, WestJet's CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, and Alberta Premier, [[Jason Kenney]], announced a major partnership between the [[Government of Alberta]] and the WestJet Group. The agreement outlined that [[Calgary International Airport]] would become WestJet's sole global hub and the company would designate the airport as itsthe "the only connectingairport where WestJet connects directly to intercontinental destinations"<ref>{{cite web |title=WestJet says it will make Calgary its global hub in itsannouncing networkpact with province |url=https://www."cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/westjet-agreement-calgary-hub-1.6607788 Additionally,|website=[[Canadian theBroadcasting Corporation]] |date=2022-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111082000/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/westjet-agreement-calgary-hub-1.6607788 outlined|archive-date=2023-01-11 that|url-status=live |last1=Sherif |first1=Omar}}</ref> Additionally, WestJet would transitionbase its entire [[Boeing 787]] fleet to be based in Calgary, opening up the potential for new routes to Europe and Asia. WestJet would also base over 100 aircraft in Calgary and double its capacity at the airport before the end of the decade<ref name=":1" />. On December 5, 2022, WestJet announced its first destination in Asia, with service from [[Calgary International Airport]] to [[Narita International Airport]] in Tokyo, Japan beginning with three times weekly service on April 30, 2023<ref name=":2">{{Citecite web |title=Route map |url=https://www.westjetonemileatatime.com/ennews/westjet-cacalgary/flights/route-map |access-date=2024-05-13 |websitetitle=www.westjet.com |language=en}}</ref>.Bold: WestJet alsoGoes announcedAll-In new routes fromon Calgary to| [[Barcelona–Eldate=October Prat Airport]] and [[Edinburgh Airport]] beginning in May 20236, as2022 well as frequency increases on existing European routes as a part of the airline’s plan to increase capacity in Calgary by more than 25% in 2023.}}</ref>

* Boost net employementemployment at Sunwing's aforementioned [[Toronto]] head office

On September 29, 2023, WestJet stated via an announcement that they aim to merge [[Sunwing]]'s entirety into WestJet by October 2024. They plan to convert all of [[Sunwing]]'s 18 [[Boeing 737]] aircraft into WestJet's mainline and transition more than 2,000 current [[Sunwing]] employees into WestJet's existing structure by that date. This merger is on top of WestJet's decision to shut down Swoop, its former ultra-[[low-cost carrier]] which it brought into the market in 2017. As of October 2023, [[Swoop (airline)|Swoop]] has been fully integrated into WestJet; however, the aircraft from Swoop retain the Swoop livery and cabin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9995938/westjet-to-merge-with-sunwing-airlines-by-october-2024/|title=WestJet to merge Sunwing Airlines by October 2024|website=[[Global News]] |date=September 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9758088/westjet-shuts-down-swoop/|title=WestJet will shut down Swoop by October 2023|website=[[Global News]] |date=June 9, 2023}}</ref>

[[File:WestJetHQ.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|WestJet's headquarters is based at Calgary International Airport.]]

[[File:Westjet Encore Dash-8 Q400.jpg|thumb|[[Bombardier Dash 8|De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400]] used by [[WestJet Encore]], a regional airline subsidiary]]

WestJet Encore is WestJet's affiliated regional airline, which commenced operations on June &nbsp;24, 2013, with a fleet of [[Bombardier Q400]] twin-turboprop aircraft.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://business.financialpost.com/2012/11/07/westjets-new-regional-carrier-encore-aims-for-mid-june-takeoff |title=WestJet's new regional carrier Encore aims for mid-June takeoff|first=Scott|last=Deveau|work=[[Financial Post]]|date=November 7, 2012|access-date=January 17, 2013}}</ref> WestJet Encore was granted its separate Air Operator Certificate from Transport Canada, on June 12, 2013.<ref>[https://worldairlinenews.com/2013/06/12/westjet-encore-receives-its-air-operator-certificate/] World Airline News, WestJet Encore receives Air Operator Certificate. Retrieved 2018-01-29.</ref> It was set up to serve smaller communities in Canada.

WestJet Vacations is a subsidiary of WestJetthe Airlines[[Sunwing Travel Group|Sunwing Vacations Group]]. The vacation arm was established to provide customers with comprehensive travel packages, combining flights and accommodations to various destinations. The service was officially launched in June 2006,<ref>{{cite web |title=WestJet Vacations marks 10 years and millions of memories |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/westjet-vacations-marks-10-years-and-millions-of-memories-581485821.html |website=www.newswire.ca |access-date=14 February 2024 |language=en}}</ref> allowing WestJet to extend its offerings beyond air travel and cater to the growing demand for all-inclusive vacation options.<ref>{{cite web |title=WestJet Annual Information 2006 |url=https://www.westjet.com/assets/wj-web/documents/en/investorMedia/financialReports/WestJet2006AIF.pdf |access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref>

The key trends for the WestJet groupGroup (including WestJet Encoresubsidiaries) are (years ending December&nbsp;31):

Annual accounts do not appear to have been published for 2019 onwards, as WestJet became a private company inthat 2019year and no longer shares businesspublicizes detailsthis publiclyinformation.

WestJet provides the most Canadian flights to [[Cancún]], [[Puerto Vallarta]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] and [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], offering non-stop routes (some of them seasonal) from twelve Canadian cities to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, nine to Las Vegas and eleven to Orlando. Since 2008, WestJet is the largest international carrier, by volume of passengers, flying into Las Vegas.<ref>{{Cite web|last= Russell|first= Scott|title= Fiscal year 2009 (Starts July 2008) Enplaned and Deplaned International Passengers|website=McCarran International Airport|publisher= Clark County Department of Aviation|date= 2009-05-28|url= http://cms.mccarran.com/dsweb/Get/Document-256434/Total%20International%20Pax%202009.pdf|url-status= dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714055916/http://cms.mccarran.com/dsweb/Get/Document-256434/Total%20International%20Pax%202009.pdf|archive-date = July 14, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last = Velotta|first = Richard|title = WestJet is McCarran's biggest growth story|newspaper = Las Vegas Sun|date = 2010-04-30|url = http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/30/westjet-mccarrans-biggest-growth-story/|access-date = 2010-07-01 }}</ref> WestJet also serves 20 destinations in the Caribbean and seven in Mexico, some on a seasonal basis.[[File:WestJetCheckinYQRAugust2018.jpg|thumb|Queue to WestJet check-in counters at [[Regina International Airport]]]]In July 2015, WestJet announced flights to [[London Gatwick Airport]] operated by [[Boeing 767]] aircraft, which had not previously been part of the airline's fleet, starting spring 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://westjet2.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1000|title=WestJet announces service to London Gatwick|work=mediaroom.com}}</ref>

}}</ref> Durfy was later quoted in 2007 saying that a deal for WestJet to join the Oneworld alliance was unlikely.<ref>{{Cite news

}}</ref> Despite this, WestJet did formalize a deal with Oneworld in November 2008, to partner on sales of travel to corporate and business travelers.<ref>{{cite press release

On July 19, 2018, WestJet and Delta Air Lines signed a definitive ten-year agreement into a joint venture between the two airlines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.delta.com/delta-and-westjet-create-new-transborder-joint-venture|title=Delta and WestJet to create new transborder joint venture &#124; Delta News Hub|access-date=January 8, 2021}}</ref> This joint venture would have served more than 95% of the Canada–U.S. demand. The airlines' current frequent flier programs would also be updated to be more closely aligned, and the airlines will be co-located at key hub airports. However, in November 2020, Delta and WestJet agreed to scrap their plans for a joint venture, as the demands of the [[United States Department of Transportation]] were seen "unreasonable and unacceptable" by both airlines.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shepardson|first=David|date=2020-11-21|title=Delta, WestJet scrap planned joint venture after U.S. demands|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-delta-air-westjet-idUSKBN28105J|access-date=2021-04-12}}</ref> Delta and WestJet have, however, agreed to reciprocal elite member benefits for their respective frequent flier programs.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jay|last=Singhcn|date=2021-03-20|title=WestJetJune And Delta Deepen Partnership – How Much More Can They Do?|url=https://simpleflying.com/westjet-delta-deepen-partnership/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Simple Flying|language=en-US2024}}</ref>

===WestJet MainlineCurrent fleet===

{{Multiple image |direction=vertical

|image3=C-FNWD caption1 Boeing 737 MAX 8 WestJet Airlines YVR 04JUL18.jpg |caption3= [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]]

{{As of|2024|0106}}, WestJet operates an all-[[Boeing]] mainline fleet composed of the following aircraft:<ref name="fleet">{{TCregister|WESTJET|WestJet|January 21, 2020}}</ref><ref name=737_O_D_summ>{{cite web|title=Boeing Commercial Airplanes – Orders and Deliveries – 737 Model Summary|url=http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=737&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=737&ViewReportF=View+Report|website=boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=November 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121013435/http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=737&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=737&ViewReportF=View+Report|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

| rowspan="2" |[[Boeing 737 MAX 8-700]]

|2639

|162120

|174132

| rowspan="2" |&mdash;9

|Former [[Swoop (airline)|Swoop]] aircraft.<br> 9 aircraft to be transferred from [[Sunwing Airlines]].

|[[Boeing 737-700 MAX 7]]

|120162

|132174

|4854

|Ordered with 22 options.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/news/2022/westjet-group-furthers-growth-strategy--inking-deal-with-boeing-?sm_cid=social%3Aws-world%3Apublic-relations-2022%3Atwitter%3A20220929|title=WestJet Group inks deal with Boeing for an additional 42 737-10 aircraft plus 22 options|publisher=WestJet|date=29 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://simpleflying.com/westjet-increases-boeing-commitment-with-order-for-42-737-max-10s/|title=WestJet Increases Boeing Commitment With Order For 42 737 MAX 10s|website=Simple Flying|date=30 September 2022}}</ref>

The mainline fleet currently consists exclusively of Boeing aircraft, while wholly owned subsidiary WestJet Encore flies [[De Havilland Canada Dash 8|De Havilland Dash 8-400sBombardier (Q400s)Q400]]s. 20 unitsaircraft were originallyinitially ordered with options for up to 25 more. The first two units were delivered in mid-June 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://calgaryherald.com/travel/WestJet+receives+keys+planes+begins+planning+march+east/8493319/story.html|title=WestJet receives keys to new planes as it begins planning for 'march east'|newspaper=Calgary Herald|date=2013-06-07|access-date=2013-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609233649/http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/WestJet+receives+keys+planes+begins+planning+march+east/8493319/story.html|archive-date=June 9, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Scheduled passenger service on these aircraft began on June&nbsp; 24, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airlinereporter.com/2013/06/westjet-encore-launch-day/|title=WestJet Encore Celebrates Inaugural Q400 Flight from Calgary|publisher= Airline Reporter|date=2013-06-24|access-date=2013-06-24}}</ref> The first [[Boeing 737-700]] delivery took place in 2001, and the first deliveries of [[Boeing 737-600]] and [[Boeing 737-800]] aircraft began in 2005, with the final 737-600 aircraft delivered in September 2006.

Boeing confirmed on August 2, 2007, that WestJet hashad placed an order for 23 [[Boeing 737 Next Generation]] aircraft. The order was primarily for [[Boeing 737-700]] but with conversion rights to Boeing 737-800s.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Boeing Confirms WestJet Order for 23 Next-Generation Boeing 737 Airplanes|publisher=The Boeing Company|date=2007-08-02|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q3/070802c_nr.html|access-date=2009-02-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316092815/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q3/070802c_nr.html|archive-date=March 16, 2009}}</ref>

In late December 2016, 77% of WestJet pilots approved a new deal that wouldwill increase pay for pilots flying wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 767, Boeing 787 andor [[Airbus A330]]. In a statement, the airline said that it was seeking more large aircraft with the intention of adding new destinations. Saretsky also stated that he hoped for wide-body growth to be responsible, but quick. As of May 2, 2017, WestJet announced the purchase of up to 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft; 10 were firm orders with deliveries from 2019 through 2021, and 10 were options for delivery between 2020 and 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/westjet-widebodied-expansion-1.3921395|title=With pilots deal, WestJet set to expand long-haul flights|last=Johnson|first=Tracy|work=CBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106144611/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/westjet-widebodied-expansion-1.3921395|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live|date=2017-01-05|access-date=2017-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=WestJet to pursue more widebody aircraft following pilots' approval|last=Karp|first=Aaron|work=Air Transport World|date=2016-12-27|url=http://atwonline.com/airlines/westjet-pursue-more-widebody-aircraft-following-pilots-approval|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229152118/http://atwonline.com/airlines/westjet-pursue-more-widebody-aircraft-following-pilots-approval|archive-date=December 29, 2016|access-date=2017-01-08|url-status=live}}</ref> WestJet ended up only purchasing seven Boeing 787-9 and cancelled the remaining orders. It is believed that the cancelled Boeing 787 orders may have been converted to Boeing 737 MAX orders instead.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

In 2003 and 2004, WestJet donated two of its 737-200s to post-secondary schools in Westernwestern Canada, one to the [[British Columbia Institute of Technology]]<ref>{{cite press release|title=WestJet donates 737-200 aircraft to BCIT Aerospace|publisher=British Columbia Institute of Technology| date = 2003-10-01|url= https://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease100103101.shtml|access-date=2009-02-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703001512/http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease100103101.shtml|archive-date=July 3, 2004}}</ref> and a second to the [[Southern Alberta Institute of Technology]]'s Art Smith Aero Centre.<ref>{{cite press release|title=WestJet Donates Boeing 737-200 Aircraft to SAIT's Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology| publisher=CCNMatthews|date=2004-10-21|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/WestJet-Donates-Boeing-737-200-Aircraft-SAITs-Art-Smith-Aero-Centre-Training-Technology-436843.htm|access-date=2011-03-05}}</ref>

| caption1 = "Care-antee" This aircraft was repainted to the Magic Plane in Dec 2013.

| caption3 = #100Boeing737NG subtitle adorns the lower fuselage of the 100th Boeing 737 NG aircraft received by the airline. This aircraft was re-painted in April of 2024 to its new livery.

WestJet's aircraft are painted white except for the lettering on the fuselage, wings and [[vertical stabilizer]], except for special examples as noted below.

In February 2010 WestJet introduced a special livery on one Boeing 737-800 aircraft promoting its customer-service promise, or "Care-antee", in both English and French. This aircraft also featured a new tail design. In 2013, the Care-antee aircraft underwent a second livery change in partnership with [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]], featuring [[Mickey Mouse]] from the movie [[Fantasia (1940 film)|''Fantasia'']] and adopting the name "Magic Plane". A second Disney aircraft was completed in 2015, named "[[Frozen (2013 film)|''Frozen'']] Plane", with characters Elsa and Anna on the vertical stabilizer and a similar theme in the cabin.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.westjet.com/disney-frozen-themed-plane/|title=Our second custom-painted aircraft, inspired by Disney's Frozen|author=Hounstow, Greg|publisher=WestJet|date=2015-10-10|access-date=2015-10-19}}</ref> Following the new CEO's decision, the Disney aircraft were repainted into the normal livery in 2024.

Premium Class is offered on mostall mainline aircraft. It varies depending on aircraft type.

On WestJet's 737, Premium Class is separated from economy with sky dividers and curtain. Larger seats with greater recline are offered in a 2-2 configuration. Complimentary plated hot meals (select flights), snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included.

On flights four hours and more, WestJet offers complimentary beverages and snacks, and a [[buy-on-board]] meal service in economy on all aircraft. In premium and business class, a complimentary meal and alcoholic beverages are included. When flying to Europe or Asia, a complimentary meal, as well as alcoholic beverages are included in all classes.

WestJet opened its flagship business lounge, Elevation Lounge, in 2020, at Calgary International Airport. WestJet hashad plans for future Elevation lounges at its other main hubs YVRin Vancouver International Airport and YYZToronto Toronto– Pearson, Internationalhowever these plans did not come to fruition due to the COVID-19 AirportPandemic. WestJet also has agreements with third-party service providers to provide pay-per-use access for customers, and free access to Gold and Platinum members as well as passengers seated in the Business cabin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/book-trip/business-travel/airport-lounges |title=Airport lounges |publisher=Westjet.com |access-date=2017-08-15}}</ref> These agreements include lounges in the following airports:

* [[CalgaryCancún International Airport|CalgaryCancun]] (2) - Aspire Lounge (Transborder), WestJetMERA ElevationBusiness Lounge (Domestic/Intl)

* [[Norman Manley InternationalGatwick Airport|Kingston,London Jamaica(Gatwick)]] (2) - ClubClubrooms, No1 KingstonLounge

* [[GatwickHeathrow Airport|London, UK(Heathrow)]] (2) - My Lounge,Plaza No1Premium Lounge

* [[Sangster International Airport|Montego Bay, Jamaica]] - Club MoBay

* [[Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport|Montreal]] - NationalAir Bank World MasterCardFrance Lounge (Intl)

* [[QuebecOttawa CityMacdonald–Cartier International Airport|Quebec CityOttawa]] - V.I.P.Aspire Lounge

* [[Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport|Winnipeg]] - Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic)}}

*August 9, 2023 - WestJet Flight 346, a Boeing 737-700 (registration C-FWSI) flying from [[CFB Comox|Comox Valley Airport]], collided with a [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] [[CC-130 Hercules|CC-130H Hercules]] while taxiing on the ground. None of the passengers or crew members were injured; The RCAF aircraft was unoccupied during the collision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Habib |first=Abid cn|date=2023-08-10June |title=WestJet Boeing 737 Collides With Royal Canadian Air Force Hercules |url=https://simpleflying.com/westjet-boeing-737-collides-royal-canadian-air-force-hercules/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Simple Flying |language=en2024}}</ref>