WestJet 767-300 Takes To The Air

WestJet’s first Boeing 767-300 extended-range aircraft made its inaugural flight yesterday, departing Toronto Pearson International en route to Calgary International Airport.

Featuring a new teal and blue maple leaf-themed logo, which will eventually appear on all WestJet aircraft, the airline’s 767-300s seat 262 guests and have a range of approximately 11 hours.

The aircraft will include a Plus cabin with 24 premium seats in a two-by-two configuration, hot meals and all other amenities associated with Plus. The main cabin has 238 seats, with two seats on either side of the aircraft and three in the middle. By next spring all four 767s will be equipped with WestJet Connect, the airline’s new inflight entertainment and wireless connectivity system.

Starting in May, WestJet will begin serving London (Gatwick) on a non-stop basis from six Canadian cities including Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and St. John’s. With the exception of service from St. John’s, all London flights will operate on WestJet’s fleet of 767-300 extended-range aircraft.

In other news, WestJet will launch new, twice-daily service between London, Ont. and Toronto Pearson International beginning in March.

The new service opens up 52 new WestJet destinations and 47 new codeshare destinations via Pearson to Eastern Canada, the United States, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

“London has been an important part of WestJet’s network for more than a decade, but before today’s announcement, we could only offer Londoners service to and from the west as well as a few sun destinations,” said Chris Avery, WestJet vice-president, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “Now, the rest of WestJet’s ever-expanding network is available for London travellers – all with a simple and convenient connection in Toronto.”