WestJet Airlines has initiated a comprehensive cabin reconfiguration of its Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft. This major upgrade is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025, promising to enhance the overall passenger experience significantly.
The Evolution of WestJet’s Fleet
In recent years, WestJet has consolidated various all-economy Boeing 737 jets, including those from its now-defunct subsidiary, Swoop, and newly acquired Sunwing Airlines. As an interim solution to provide a more standardized onboard experience, WestJet introduced temporary features, such as a Premium section with blocked middle seats, on these aircraft.
Introducing the Premium Cabin
The revamped cabin features a dedicated Premium cabin with 12 new seats, designed similarly to those on WestJet’s 787-9 Dreamliner fleet. These seats boast ergonomic contouring, four-way adjustable headrests, and improved cushioning for greater comfort. Innovations such as a device holder on the seatback offer an enhanced travel experience.
Extended Comfort and Economy Seating
The new configuration includes an Extended Comfort section, featuring 36 seats with extra legroom. This section is situated directly behind the Premium cabin and is separated from the main Economy cabin by a divider.
Economy seating will also undergo significant renovations, with the installation of “ultra slim-line” seats equipped with better contouring, new seatback tablet holders, and in-seat power ports. Notably, these seats will feature a fixed recline position, ensuring streamlined design without further adjustment. Improvements have also been made to lavatories and galleys as part of the modernization effort.
Maximizing Capacity with Slimmer Seats
The adoption of slimmer seats in the Economy section allows WestJet to introduce an additional row of seats per aircraft, optimizing capacity without compromising passenger comfort.
A Fresh Look Inspired by Nature
The aesthetic overhaul moves away from the previously utilized beige and brown color scheme. Christine Steller, Senior Product Owner at WestJet, recently stated on LinkedIn that the new interior design draws inspiration from the stunning Rocky Mountains located west of Calgary. She noted, “Teal shades echo the beauty of glacier-fed lakes, while angular lines, influenced by our logo, create a mountain range across the seat backs.”
In-Flight Connectivity Enhancements
Alongside the cabin upgrades, WestJet is also implementing “WestJet Wi-Fi presented by TELUS” throughout its Boeing 737-800 and MAX-8 fleet. This project will offer passengers high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity for seamless streaming during flights. WestJet Rewards members will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access, with full fleet installation projected by the end of 2025.
Overall, WestJet’s cabin reconfiguration represents a significant advancement in passenger comfort and connectivity, ensuring travelers can look forward to a more enjoyable flying experience. For more details on WestJet’s new cabin features and fleet updates, visit their official website at WestJet.com.
