Reuters US Business
(Reuters) -Low-cost carrier WestJet said on Wednesday it made its largest-ever order with U.S. planemaker Boeing, striking a deal for 67 jets to be delivered through 2034 as part of the Canadian airline's growth strategy.
The order for 60 737-10 MAX narrowbodies and seven 787-9 Dreamliner widebody jets comes as the privately-held carrier renews its fleet. It raises the airline's current order book to 123 aircraft and 40 options.
"With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet has the largest order book of any airline in Canada and will double our fleet of Dreamliners," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the Calgary-based carrier.
Canadian Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that the deal would generate economic benefits and secure manufacturing jobs for Canada and the United States, which are embroiled in a trade dispute.
"This agreement between WestJet and Boeing reflects a pragmatic approach to doing business, creating new opportunities, economic benefits, and long-term jobs on both sides of the border," Freeland said.
Canada's economy contracted in the second quarter much more than anticipated on an annualized basis, as U.S. tariffs squeezed exports. The country's merchandise trade numbers for July will be announced on Thursday.
Boeing has won a string of major orders in recent months with many countries negotiating trade deals with the Trump administration.
WestJet, which operates an almost all-Boeing fleet, is already a longstanding Boeing customer.
The carrier said it also secured options for an additional 25 737-10 MAX and four Dreamliners, with deliveries running through 2034.
WestJet currently operates 193 passenger aircraft. The average age of its fleet is 10 years.
(Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal, Nathan Gomes and Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Nia Williams)
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