WestJet has announced a significant expansion of its fleet, marking the largest aircraft order in Canadian history. The Calgary-based airline has placed an order for 60 Boeing 737-10 MAX jets and seven 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This order is part of WestJet's strategy to enhance its operations and is expected to be fulfilled by 2034.

With this latest agreement, WestJet's total order book now stands at 123 aircraft, which includes options for an additional 40 planes. The 737-10 MAX jets are touted by Boeing as the most profitable large single-aisle aircraft, offering the lowest cost per seat in its category.

"With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet has the largest order book of any airline in Canada," said WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. He emphasized that this order will double the airline's current fleet of Dreamliners, which is crucial for their growth plans and commitment to providing affordable travel options across Canada.

Currently, WestJet operates a fleet of 193 passenger aircraft, with an average age of about 10 years. This new order represents more than 60 percent of their existing fleet size. However, even with these new additions, WestJet's total would still be significantly smaller than Air Canada's fleet, which exceeds 400 aircraft.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed her excitement about the order, stating, "Not only does this represent WestJet’s largest-ever aircraft order, but it also reinforces Alberta’s growing reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a leading aerospace and aviation hub."

The order is seen as a major investment in WestJet's future, with the airline aiming to improve fuel efficiency and enhance passenger comfort. Boeing's President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, remarked, "We are honored that WestJet has once again placed its trust in Boeing with a major investment that builds on our three decades of partnership."

This historic agreement underscores WestJet's commitment to expanding its services and modernizing its fleet to meet the demands of travelers in the coming years.