WestJet is studying whether to accelerate retirement of its 15 Boeing 737-200s and use some or all of the 15 Next Generation 737s set to arrive this year as replacements, rather than for growth. Previously, the airline had only planned to retire three older jets this year. This would mark a substantial shift in strategy by Canada's leading low-cost carrier, which has grown at a torrid 50% a year average almost since its launch. Early retirement of the 737-200s would ease WestJet's largely unhedged fuel position as they would be replaced by aircraft about 30% more fuel-efficient.
Source: Airline Business
