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WestJet has just announced a major cabin redesign for 43 Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft that were previously configured in a single economy class. This modernization is part of the Canadian airline’s broader strategy to offer a consistent experience across its entire fleet and provide more premium options to its passengers.
With the recent integration of aircraft from Swoop and Sunwing, WestJet found itself with a heterogeneous fleet. This reconfiguration aims to standardize the onboard experience while significantly improving seat offerings and comfort options for Canadian travelers.
The new Boeing 737 configuration will include 12 Premium seats in a 2-2 layout, using the same Collins Aerospace MiQ model currently found in WestJet’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner Premium Cabin.
These seats will offer:
Immediately behind the Premium Cabin, WestJet has significantly expanded its “Extended Comfort” section, which will now include 36 seats offering more legroom. This section will be clearly separated from the standard Economy cabin by a partition.
Unlike standard economy seats, these Extended Comfort seats will retain the ability to recline their seatbacks, a significant advantage for longer flights.
In standard economy class, WestJet is introducing ultra-slim seats with fixed recline, which has allowed for an additional row compared to the previous configuration. The seats will offer different levels of space depending on their position in the cabin:
All economy seats will be equipped with:
In addition to this cabin modernization, WestJet is finalizing the installation of its Starlink-powered Wi-Fi system, sponsored by TELUS. This high-speed connection will be offered free of charge to all WestJet Rewards members.
The airline plans to complete Wi-Fi installation across its entire Boeing 737-800 and MAX-8 fleet by the end of 2025.
The first of the 43 reconfigured aircraft, a former Lynx Air Boeing 737-8, was completed at WestJet’s maintenance center in Edmonton (YEG). Further work is planned in Kelowna (YLW). The first modernized aircraft will enter service in October 2025.
WestJet hopes to complete the reconfiguration of all 43 aircraft by the end of the year.
This modernization is part of a major transformation period for WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline:
WestJet’s current fleet includes approximately 150 Boeing 737s, divided among 737-700, 737-800, and 737-8 models, with an order book for 116 additional aircraft (163 including options).
This reconfiguration offers several benefits for Canadian travelers looking to maximize their points and WestJet Rewards benefits:
For frequent travelers, this cabin improvement could help make WestJet more attractive for business travel and longer journeys, thereby strengthening competition in the Canadian market.
This reconfiguration marks a significant step in WestJet’s evolution. By standardizing its product and adding Premium cabins to all its aircraft, the airline is clearly positioning itself to compete with Air Canada across all market segments.
The increase in the number of standard economy seats could, however, lead to a reduction in individual space for passengers traveling on the lowest fares. However, the addition of the larger Extended Comfort section and the modernization of amenities (Wi-Fi, USB ports, device holders) should offset this densification for passengers willing to pay extra.
The free Starlink Wi-Fi for WestJet Rewards members is particularly appealing and represents a significant competitive advantage in the Canadian market.
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