WestJet Swaps Six 737-10 for Two 787-9 on Order

‍CALGARY — Canadian airline WestJet (WS) has confirmed that it has converted a half-dozen of its orders for the Boeing 737-10 into a pair of 787-9 Dreamliners.

The deal will bring the 787 book from seven, an order placed last September alongside 60 737-10s, up to nine, while maintaining the four options that were part of the deal last Summer.

In a statement to Airways, the airline said, “We can confirm that six of our Boeing 737-10 MAX orders have been converted to two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The two widebody aircraft are in addition to WestJet’s current orderbook, which currently has seven confirmed, and four optional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order.”

WestJet’s original 787 order, placed back in 2017, included 10 firm orders with 10 options, totaling up to 20 jets. After seven aircraft were delivered, the remaining order was cancelled. The addition to the books this week means that with seven aircraft in service, nine on firm order, and four options, the carrier will receive up to 20 jets.

Boeing 737-10 Cabin Edits

Also this week, WestJet confirmed it will add a fourth lavatory to its incoming 737-10 jets.

The launch customer of the largest 737 variant is expected to take delivery of the type later this year; however, the exact cabin configuration for those aircraft is still up in the air.

Initially, the MAX 10 was to feature 12 premium seats (business-class recliner-style Collins Aerospace MiQ seats) and 200 economy seats, 54 of which were sold as extended comfort in the first six rows and all three exit rows, with upgraded hard-product amenities. 

Only three lavatories featured in this cabin, one for the 12 premium cabin seats up front and just two for the 200 economy seats in the back; one lavatory per 100 passengers.

Since then, they have reverted to a 199-seat configuration, but the carrier has not confirmed what that configuration would look like.

The airline also told Airways that “After listening to our people, evaluating guest needs and reviewing market comparables, we are also pleased to share that the layout of our Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft will be equipped with four lavatories onboard. All other layout decisions are still to be determined pending aircraft certification.”

It comes as earlier this year, the airline announced it would be rolling back its decision to add an extra row on its 737-800 and -8 fleets after massive public backlash over its lack of reclining seats and 28 inches of pitch.