WestJet's first wide-body aircraft takes to the sky

WestJet’s first Boeing 767-300 extended-range aircraft will perform its inaugural flight today, departing Toronto Pearson International Airport at 9 a.m. EDT. Operating as WestJet flight 655, the aircraft will arrive at Calgary International Airport at 11:12 a.m. MDT.

“Today’s inaugural flight of our first wide-body aircraft ushers in a new era in the history of WestJet,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “And with three more 767s due to be delivered in the months to come, we look forward to enriching the lives of our guests by offering them new destinations in Europe and elsewhere, as part of WestJet’s ever-expanding network.”

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.

Beginning May 2016, 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.