Canadian airline WestJet is to receive 14 additional 737-700 aircraft from Boeing.

The next-generation aircraft can fly up to 3,365nm at a cruising speed of Mach 0.78, while carrying up to 149 passengers.

WestJet president and CEO Sean Durfy said the airways will have enhanced flexibility to deliver on its vision of becoming one of the top five airlines in the world by 2016.

The new 14-aircraft order brings the additional number of 737s due for delivery to WestJet to 54.

At present the carrier flies a fleet of 81 Boeing 737s.