WestJet Set to Resume 737 Max Operations
The carrier says it will inform travelers about the plane’s routes and will be flexible with changes as the aircraft returns to service Jan. 21
WestJet has announced the return to service of its Boeing 737 Max 8 fleet later this month. The Canadian carrier has 13 of the planes in its fleet, and says it is working with Transport Canada to ensure they will be ready to fly on Jan. 21.
The carrier will keep customers informed about which routes the aircraft is operating, and will be flexible with change and cancellation policies to ensure travelers “can make their travel plans confidently,” according to Ed Sims, WestJet’s CEO.
Sims added that the airline is dedicated to restoring customer confidence in the aircraft through its safe operation, “while providing the transparency and the flexibility that some of its passengers may still require.”
The aircraft, which had been grounded following two deadly crashes in 2019, was re-certified this past November by the US Federal Aviation Administration. Transport Canada recently completed its independent review of the aircraft and approved the design changes to correct the issues that led to the accidents.
Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL was the first airline worldwide to resume Max flights in December on selected domestic routes from Sao Paulo, and American Airlines return the aircraft to commercial service in the US later that month, operating daily flights between Miami and New York.
