WestJet Converts Six 737 MAX 10s to Two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (WS) has adjusted its fleet order with Boeing, converting six Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft into two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The change increases the Canadian carrier's firm order for the wide-body jet to nine aircraft, signaling a strategic focus on expanding its long-haul network.

This fleet strategy adjustment underscores WestJet's commitment to reinforcing its Calgary International Airport (YYC) hub as a primary base for international operations. The move prioritizes long-range, wide-body aircraft capacity over high-density, narrow-body aircraft, positioning the airline to compete more directly with Air Canada on key transatlantic and transpacific routes. The decision also reflects a broader industry trend where carriers are recalibrating their order books to align with post-pandemic international travel demand.

Order Details and Fleet Impact

In a statement, WestJet confirmed the order change: “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.”

According to data from ch-aviation, WestJet currently operates a fleet of seven 787-9s. With this change, the firm order count for the type rises from seven to nine. The airline also holds options for four more 787-9s, potentially bringing its total Dreamliner fleet to 16 aircraft. Following the conversion, WestJet's order for the B737-10, the largest variant of the Boeing 737 MAX family, now stands at 96 confirmed aircraft. Based on a 2025 announcement from the manufacturer, the airline's total firm order book with Boeing is 123 aircraft.

Strategic Shift to Wide-body Aircraft

The swap represents a significant strategic choice between two distinct aircraft capabilities. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a long-haul, mid-size, wide-body aircraft—an airliner with a fuselage wide enough for two passenger aisles—designed for intercontinental routes. It has a published range of up to 7,565 nautical miles. WestJet configures its existing 787-9 fleet with 320 seats in a three-class layout, suitable for premium international markets.

In contrast, the Boeing 737 MAX 10 is a narrow-body aircraft, an airliner with a single aisle, optimized for high-capacity, medium-haul routes. It has a range of approximately 3,300 nautical miles and can seat up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration. By prioritizing the 787-9, WestJet is investing in greater range and passenger comfort for long-duration flights over the higher passenger density of the MAX 10.

Fortifying the Calgary Hub

This fleet adjustment is central to WestJet's strategy of fortifying its Calgary (YYC) hub. The additional Dreamliners will provide the necessary capacity and range to launch new international destinations and increase frequencies on existing long-haul routes. This move solidifies YYC's role as the airline's primary intercontinental gateway, leveraging its geographic position in Western Canada to connect passengers to Europe and Asia. The expansion of its wide-body fleet enables WestJet to build a more robust global network, reducing its reliance on domestic and transborder markets.

Broader Industry Context

WestJet's decision may also be influenced by external factors, including aircraft certification timelines. The Boeing 737 MAX 10 has faced certification delays, which can create uncertainty for airline delivery schedules. Shifting orders to an established and certified model like the 787-9 de-risks fleet planning and ensures capacity arrives in a more predictable timeframe. This pivot aligns with a wider trend among global carriers adjusting their fleets. Airlines are increasingly favoring versatile wide-body aircraft that can be deployed on a variety of long-haul routes, responding to a resilient recovery in international leisure and business travel.

Why This Matters

WestJet's conversion of 737 MAX 10 orders to 787-9s is a clear indicator of its ambition to compete more aggressively in the international long-haul market. This strategic fleet decision enhances its ability to challenge Air Canada on lucrative intercontinental routes, particularly from its Western Canadian hub. For the industry, it highlights how airlines are continuing to refine their long-term fleet plans in response to evolving market demands and potential manufacturing delays, prioritizing range and versatility for future growth.

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