Western Pacific Airlines (Westpac) has finalised its expected order for new Boeing 737s, with an agreement for up to 12 aircraft, including options on the next-generation -700.
The fast-growing, low-cost start-up, which has been in negotiations with Boeing for some months, has now placed a firm contract for six 737-300s for delivery between May and December 1997. The Colorado Springs-based airline has 15 examples of the 138-seater in service, all acquired used, either by lease or purchase.
Westpac chairman and chief executive Ed Beauvais says that the 737-300 "-is in considerable demand worldwide [and] it has been difficult to acquire more to facilitate our development requirements". Beauvais says that the airline is planning to move up to the 737-700. "The agreement includes the option to acquire six 737-700s in 1998 and beyond," he adds.
Westpac began operations in April 1995, and serves 22 cities. The carrier has set up a feeder subsidiary, Mountain Air Express, which will operate from December with Fairchild Dornier 328s.
Source: Flight International
