Westjet has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with the Canadian carrier saying it marked a “new global era” for its operations.
The 320-seat aircraft will fly guests domestically on Toronto-Calgary routes from February 20 as crew learn the ropes, before the first international service from Calgary to London Gatwick on April 28.
It will offer Economy, Premium Economy and Business, including Westjet’s first business-class seat product with fully-flat Super Diamond seats from Rockwell Collins. The business cabin will have a 1-2-1 configuration and Premium passengers will have access to a self-serve social area.
The aircraft also features Boeing’s turbulence-dampening technology, improved air quality to reduce jetlag and larger windows for an increased sense of space.
Westjet said its second and third Dreamliners are on the production line at Boeing’s factory and will be delivered in February and March to coincide with the start of Calgary-Paris and Calgary-Dublin services.
Ten Dreamliners are set to be delivered to Westjet by 2021, with the carrier also having options on a further ten.
“Today’s delivery marks a new chapter for Westjet,” said Ed Sims, Westjet President and CEO.
“Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is one of the most technologically advanced aircraft ever flown and is the perfect platform for our transition to a global network carrier. We look forward to bringing Canadians to the world and the world to Canada in comfort and style.”
