WestJet takes delivery of first wide-body.
 

WestJet takes delivery of first wide-body.
 

I thought they already flew to Europe in their 737 ? Don't the have a GLA route ?

Yes, and DUB

The press release gives the impression that these 767s are new, from Boeing.
As I understand it, all four aircraft are used and formerly belonged to the Qantas fleet.

Rockhound

Rockhound you are right, they are definitely not new lol just overhauled, media over hype.

It's a big move for Westjet and much needed as now they have intentions to directly compete with AC and AT in the long haul market. That Gatwick route is gonna be extremely competitive! I wouldn't be surprised if they invest in a few 787's years from now...

What a beautiful aircraft. Congratulations to Calgary-based WestJet!

The printed article doesn't say the aircraft are new, just the video's title, "WestJet's new 767". In the video, Greg Saretsky, Presedent and CEO of WestJet, doesn't say the aircraft are new either. Regardless, the 767 is certainly new to WestJet.

This is not the first time WestJet has deviated from the Southwest Airlines model, from which they patterned their initial operation.

Who will do the major maintenance of their 767 fleet?

Note the registration of the Boeing 767 in the video is N324BC, model 767-338-ER, MSN 25274, built in 1991, delivered to QANTAS as VH-OGJ, now C-FOGJ, which was temporarily registered to BCC Equipment and Leasing Corp., Seattle, Washington when delivered to WestJet. The number "671" on the nose gear door is WestJet's fleet (skin) number.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/...5_ORIGINAL.jpg

Good choice
 

Should be a great aircraft for Westjet. Though the B767 may be getting a bit long in the tooth it is a reliable and effective workhorse. Should be well suited for the Pacific, Atlantic, and Latin American (?) markets Westjet plans to serve.

Congratulations.

Just food for thought:

FedEx to Buy as Many as 100 Boeing 767 Freighters - WSJ

What's efficient for airlines operating the 767 in years 2015+ is that even though more maintenance may be required, im sure the parts are relatively cheaper than say a new 777F. (like comparing a 2001 car model part versus a 2015).

A note on Westjet deviating from the Southwest model - Canada (35 million people) simply doesn't have a strong enough national population like the United States (318 million people) to sustain a southwest model which is based on low fares and high load capacities ((compare NYC-LAX (excluding nearby airports) about 40 flights a day, YYZ-YVR about 28)).

Any airline in Canada needs to tap into the international market to survive. Even Porter has invested into C Series to tap into the US and sun destination market. Air Transat also with their 737 can now utilize their A330 and A310's to provide greater flight frequency to Europe as well. Nice to see the steady growth for Canadian air travel!!:D

Certainly cleans up well for a 24-year old hull. :cool:

If the plus product really is a decent premium economy then I will be using it LGW/YVR. Well done Westjet, with BA adding the A380 LHR/YVR things are going to be pretty competitive which can only be good for prices!!

Sucks that Canada's busiest airport, is also the world's 4th most expensive for an aircraft to touch down on. Really a shame the GTAA hasn't done more to reduce this, deters a ton of airlines. Not sure if prices will reduce all that much. Pickering airport here we come lol

News Releases

Fly WestJet to London for as little as $199

Canada's*low-fare leader offers a total of 28 non-stop flights weekly from*Vancouver,*Edmonton,*Calgary,*Winnipeg,*Toronto*and*St. John'salong with fares on connecting flights from select cities for only*$20more

Fly WestJet to London for as little as $199 - Sep 15, 2015

That's giving first strike advantage to WestJet over likes of other budget airlines like Ryanair who also got project underway to attack the North American transatlantic routes.

Wonder how long it will be before Ryanair announce similar?

New to WestJet but well used... Lots of life left in that bird....

From another site:

767-338 ER (msn 25274) C-FOGJ
100800 hours, 18660 cycles. 24 years old.

Over 100,000 hours and lots of life left?
I just flew a 777-200 the other day with just under 80,000 hours and its heading back to the lessor next year.

I hope they got a good deal on it.

An employee at Westjet told me the 767 is sort of a "test" phase for Westjet who is being smart and saving its cash for something bigger (i.e. 787). Yes the airplanes are old but parts would be cheap in comparison to new airplanes and lets be real their not operating a hundred of these.

Talking of old aircraft, I flew YYZ-MAN earlier this year on one of Air Transat's A310s. With a brand new interior (who the hell thought up mood lighting??? :yuk: :yuk: :yuk:) it was hard to tell it was not a factory-fresh airplane.

Those crates must be positively ancient... :eek:

I would be happy to fly on an older aircraft as long as I know the maintenance schedule has been good.

Just checked LGW/YVR/LGW against BA in June and fare in the premium cabin is some £800 cheaper than BA WTP with same seat pitch.

That is quite a difference. We do this route frequently, always in the past with BA next time booked with AC but Westjet looks like a future favourite with that much price advantage.

Did the crews come from within e.g. 737 Pilots?

Yes. All internal pilots.

Word is they can't get the C of A done... Still just sitting.

Missing records among other issues...