Canadian low-fare carrier WestJet has commenced discussions with Boeing and aircraft lessors over adjusting delivery schedules from 2010-2013.
Today during a call with analysts and investors carrier CEO Sean Durfy said that he expects to conclude those discussions soon.
Current fleet projections by WestJet show that the carrier plans to add a total of 11 leased 737s and 24 owned aircraft from Boeing starting next year and continuing through 2013.
Responding to a question over WestJet's logic to defer deliveries during the latter part of the recession carrier CFO Vito Culmone references a cluster of roughly 20 aircraft in the 2012-2013 time period. He also explains WestJet is examining its fleet plan for 2015 through 2020 when certain leases expire and certain components of its decision to defer aircraft "trace to the longer term".
Deliveries for the rest of the year include two 737s in August followed by five additional aircraft in the fourth quarter. During the first quarter two aircraft were delivered to WestJet, with a single delivery occurring in April. WestJet plans to end the year with at total of 86 aircraft.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
