WestJet Airlines is talking to Airbus Industrie, Boeing and leasing companies about replacing its 14 Boeing 737-200s from next year, as it expands services to eastern Canada.
The Calgary-based low-cost carrier is evaluating 100-130-seat twinjets, including the Boeing 737-600/700 and the Airbus A318/A319. A decision is expected during the first quarter. "We will either go with Airbus or Boeing and we expect to order a total of 30 aircraft, including firm orders and options," says the airline. "The order will be a combination of purchased and leased aircraft, with the first entering service in 2001," WestJet says.
The airline recently unveiled plans to expand into eastern Canada following the purchase of Canadian Airlines by Air Canada, with destinations to be identified later this month. President Steve Smith says that, if WestJet is successful in the east, it may expand services to cross-border markets. He warns there is not enough business now in the Canadian-US seasonal market to make it worthwhile and notes that Canadian charter carriers already fly there.
Source: Flight International
