Canadian airline WestJet has entered a definitive agreement with Boeing to purchase up to 20 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The deal covers commitments for ten Boeing 787-9 aircraft to be delivered between the first quarter of 2019 and December 2021.

The agreement further includes options for ten more 787-9 Dreamliners, which are scheduled to be delivered between 2020 and 2024.

General Electric’s GEnx-1B engine has been selected to power the newly ordered aircraft.

As part of this new deal, WestJet is converting 15 Boeing 737 MAX firm orders that are to delivered between 2019 and 2021, with options available between 2022 and 2024.

“Our ability to compete globally and deliver our plan comes from the hard work and dedication of our more than 12,000 WestJetters.”

WestJet president and CEO Gregg Saretsky said: “We have carefully executed on our strategic plan, first launching WestJet Encore to connect smaller communities across Canada to our growing network followed by our successful venture into wide-body flying to Hawaii and London Gatwick.

“Now, with the most sophisticated commercial airliner available, we turn our attention to further growing our international presence and introducing even more travellers to our award-winning guest experience. 

“Our ability to compete globally and deliver our plan comes from the hard work and dedication of our more than 12,000 WestJetters.”

Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft are 20% more fuel-efficient than its 767 aircraft.

Capable of flying within a range of more than 14,000km, the 787-9 Dreamliner will allow WestJet to serve new destinations in Asia and South America, as well as expand its services to the European market.


Image: WestJet to purchase Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.Photo: courtesy of WestJet.