Planes just keep getting bigger and better.
On Wednesday, WestJet unveiled its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, one of 50 schedule for delivery in the next four years and the first to come to Canada.
"We are proud to make history as the first Canadian airline to receive the Boeing 737 MAX," said Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. "The MAX's design updates, including Boeing's Advanced Technology winglets and the Boeing Sky Interior, will contribute to improvements in fuel efficiency and overall guest experience.”
The aircraft has been at WestJet’s Calgary hangar since September 29th for inspections, training and test flight.
It’s expected to officially enter service on November 9th, 2017, when it operates from Calgary to Toronto.
Photo Credit: WestJet
"We worked closely with WestJet to make sure the 737 MAX raises the bar when it comes to efficiency, reliability and the passenger experience," said Brad McMullen, Boeing's Vice-President of Sales for the Americas. "This is a great airplane for a great customer, and we're excited to see WestJet put the MAX into service."
The Boeing 737 MAX is powered by LEAP-1B engines, designed for fuel-efficiency and noise reduction.
It features a single cabin with 174 seats, with a seating configuration that consists of three rows of Plus in addition to 11 more rows with a seat pitch of 34 inches.
Photo Credit: WestJet
The aircraft also features Boeing’s new Sky Interior, with customizable LED lighting and new speakers, as well as increased space in overhead bins.
WestJet’s current fleet consists of 117 Boeing Next-Generation 737s, four Boeing 767s and 42 Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft.
