WestJet Modernizes its Cabins: Discover the New Boeing 737 Configurations
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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.
A New Premium Cabin Experience
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:
- Ergonomic seat cushions
- Reclining seatbacks
- A large four-way adjustable headrest
- Storage compartments in the center console
- Universal power outlets and USB-C ports
An Enlarged “Extended Comfort” Section
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.
A Redesigned Economy Cabin
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:
- More space at the front of the economy cabin
- Less space at the rear
All economy seats will be equipped with:
- Personal mobile device holders integrated into the seatbacks
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- Coat hooks
- Four-way adjustable headrests
- Movable armrests
The cabin has been carefully designed to offer WestJet’s welcoming service for all budgets. It reflects our commitment to improving all aspects of the travel experience and meeting customer demand for a wider range of product options.
– Samantha Taylor, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer at WestJet
Free Wi-Fi with Starlink
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 cabin has been carefully designed to offer WestJet’s welcoming service for all budgets. It reflects our commitment to improving all aspects of the travel experience and meeting customer demand for a wider range of product options.
Deployment Schedule
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.
A Context of Ambitious Development
This modernization is part of a major transformation period for WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline:
- Recent investment from Delta and Korean Air
- Additional aircraft orders, including Dreamliners
- Increasingly competitive positioning against Air Canada
- Recent integration of Swoop and Sunwing aircraft
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).
Technical Details of the New Cabins
Premium Cabin
- Number of seats: 12 seats (3 rows in a 2-2 configuration)
- Seat type: Collins Aerospace MiQ
- Recline: Fully reclining seatbacks
- Power outlets: Universal AC outlets and USB-C ports
Extended Comfort Section
- Number of seats: 36 seats (6 rows in a 3-3 configuration)
- Recline: Standard reclining seats
- Feature: Separated from the standard economy cabin by a partition
- Power outlets: USB-A and USB-C ports at each seat
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Economy Cabin
- Number of seats: 132 seats (22 rows in a 3-3 configuration)
- Seat type: Collins Aerospace Pinnacle
- Recline: Fixed recline (non-reclining seatbacks)
- Total seats: 180 seats per aircraft (compared to 174 previously)
Implications for Travelers and WestJet Rewards Members
When will WestJet’s new reconfigured Boeing 737s enter service?
The first of the 43 reconfigured Boeing 737s will enter service in October 2025. WestJet plans to complete the reconfiguration of all 43 affected aircraft by the end of 2025. These aircraft were previously configured solely in economy class and primarily come from the Swoop and Sunwing fleets, recently integrated into WestJet.
What are the differences between Premium and Extended Comfort seats?
Premium seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration (2 seats per row on each side of the aisle) with a total of 12 seats. These are Collins Aerospace MiQ models, identical to those in WestJet’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner Premium Economy cabin, offering ergonomic cushions, reclinable seatbacks, and storage compartments in the center console.
Extended Comfort seats are in a standard 3-3 configuration but offer more legroom than regular economy seats and retain the ability to recline their seatbacks. This section has 36 seats and is separated from the standard economy cabin by a bulkhead.
Do standard economy seats recline?
No, standard economy seats on WestJet’s reconfigured Boeing 737s will have a fixed recline (the seatbacks will not recline). According to WestJet, this design helps preserve passengers’ personal space by preventing the seat in front from reclining into their area. If seat recline is important to you on longer flights, you should consider the Premium or Extended Comfort options, which retain reclinable seatbacks.
Will Starlink Wi-Fi be available on all WestJet Boeing 737s?
Yes, WestJet plans to complete the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet of Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 MAX aircraft by the end of 2025. This high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi service is offered free of charge to all WestJet Rewards members, which is a significant advantage compared to many competitors who charge for this service. Enrollment in the WestJet Rewards program is free and allows you to benefit from this advantage from your very first flight.
How many Boeing 737s will WestJet reconfigure?
WestJet will reconfigure 43 Boeing 737s that were previously equipped only with economy seats. These aircraft primarily come from Swoop, its low-cost subsidiary which ceased operations in 2023, and recently acquired Sunwing. WestJet’s total fleet includes approximately 150 Boeing 737s of various variants (737-700, 737-800, and 737-8 MAX), many of which already had a Premium cabin. This reconfiguration will allow for a consistent experience across the entire fleet.
Can I use my WestJet dollars to book Premium or Extended Comfort seats?
Yes, you can use your WestJet dollars to book seats in any section of the cabin, including Premium and Extended Comfort seats. WestJet dollars function as a virtual currency, and their value is identical to Canadian dollars when used to pay for WestJet flights. You can also use your WestJet dollars for upgrades to Premium class if you have already booked an economy ticket, subject to availability.
Will this reconfiguration impact WestJet’s fares?
WestJet states that the use of ultra-slim seats in standard economy class has allowed for the addition of an extra row compared to the previous configuration, which “reduces the cost per seat and helps offer Canadians affordable fares and options.” While the company emphasizes maintaining affordable fares, the diversification of its products (Premium, Extended Comfort, and Economy) means it now offers options at different price points to meet the diverse budgets and preferences of travelers.
This reconfiguration offers several benefits for Canadian travelers looking to maximize their points and WestJet Rewards benefits:
- More options to use upgrades on WestJet flights
- More Premium seats available across the network
- A consistent experience across the entire fleet
- Free Wi-Fi for WestJet Rewards members
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.
Bottom Line
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first of the 43 reconfigured Boeing 737s will enter service in October 2025. WestJet plans to complete the reconfiguration of all 43 affected aircraft by the end of 2025. These aircraft were previously configured solely in economy class and primarily come from the Swoop and Sunwing fleets, recently integrated into WestJet.
Premium seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration (2 seats per row on each side of the aisle) with a total of 12 seats. These are Collins Aerospace MiQ models, identical to those in WestJet’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner Premium Economy cabin, offering ergonomic cushions, reclinable seatbacks, and storage compartments in the center console.
Extended Comfort seats are in a standard 3-3 configuration but offer more legroom than regular economy seats and retain the ability to recline their seatbacks. This section has 36 seats and is separated from the standard economy cabin by a bulkhead.
No, standard economy seats on WestJet’s reconfigured Boeing 737s will have a fixed recline (the seatbacks will not recline). According to WestJet, this design helps preserve passengers’ personal space by preventing the seat in front from reclining into their area. If seat recline is important to you on longer flights, you should consider the Premium or Extended Comfort options, which retain reclinable seatbacks.
Yes, WestJet plans to complete the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet of Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 MAX aircraft by the end of 2025. This high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi service is offered free of charge to all WestJet Rewards members, which is a significant advantage compared to many competitors who charge for this service. Enrollment in the WestJet Rewards program is free and allows you to benefit from this advantage from your very first flight.
WestJet will reconfigure 43 Boeing 737s that were previously equipped only with economy seats. These aircraft primarily come from Swoop, its low-cost subsidiary which ceased operations in 2023, and recently acquired Sunwing. WestJet’s total fleet includes approximately 150 Boeing 737s of various variants (737-700, 737-800, and 737-8 MAX), many of which already had a Premium cabin. This reconfiguration will allow for a consistent experience across the entire fleet.
Yes, you can use your WestJet dollars to book seats in any section of the cabin, including Premium and Extended Comfort seats. WestJet dollars function as a virtual currency, and their value is identical to Canadian dollars when used to pay for WestJet flights. You can also use your WestJet dollars for upgrades to Premium class if you have already booked an economy ticket, subject to availability.
WestJet states that the use of ultra-slim seats in standard economy class has allowed for the addition of an extra row compared to the previous configuration, which “reduces the cost per seat and helps offer Canadians affordable fares and options.” While the company emphasizes maintaining affordable fares, the diversification of its products (Premium, Extended Comfort, and Economy) means it now offers options at different price points to meet the diverse budgets and preferences of travelers.