WestJet Celebrate Airline's 100th Next-Generation 737

CALGARY, Dec. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and WestJet celebrated the 100th Next-Generation 737 to join the Calgary-based airline’s fleet Friday.

WestJet began in 1996 with three Boeing 737-200s serving five cities and has grown into Canada’s largest low-fare airline serving 81 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. With today’s delivery of a Boeing 737-800, WestJet’s fleet now consists of 100 airplanes – all Boeing Next-Generation 737s.

The Next-Generation 737 is the most fuel-efficient and reliable single-aisle airplane today. The airplane provides added value to airlines such as WestJet by delivering reliability, simplicity and reduced operating and maintenance costs.

The 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets. The single-aisle jetliner, which can seat 162 passengers in dual class and up to 189 passengers in a high-density configuration, can fly 175 nautical miles (320 kilometers) farther while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.

The airplane, a 737-800, was initially delivered to Newport Beach, Calif.-based leasing company Aviation Capital Group (ACG) and is going to be leased and operated by WestJet. “We are delighted to be leasing this milestone airplane to WestJet,” said R. Stephen Hannahs, group managing director and CEO of ACG.