WestJet has restored the legroom on its newly-refurbished Boeing 737s, fulfilling a promise it made in January after facing passenger backlash for its snug economy class seat pitch.
The Canadian hybrid-network carrier confirms it finished the legroom restoration project in June — months before the expected completion date.
The reconfigured 737 twinjets, which briefly operated with a compact 180-seat layout, now feature a lower-density 174-seat LOPA (layout of passenger accommodations).
Though WestJet originally planned to complete the work this fall, the carrier “proudly wrapped up the project part-way through June,” it says.
“All previously affected aircraft are now flying with 174 seats, a refreshed interior and enhanced amenities, including WestJet Wi-Fi presented by TELUS.”
Previously configured with all-economy layouts, the 737s in question were ingested by WestJet when it acquired Swoop and Sunwing, and picked up tails from defunct Lynx.
WestJet then set about to refresh the twinjets by expanding the extra-legroom economy class section, introducing new features such as device holders and modern charging ports, and notably adding Premium recliners up front.
It also fitted the jets with SpaceX’s Starlink inflight connectivity service, as sponsored by TELUS.
But a tight seat pitch in standard economy didn’t sit well with passengers who experienced the refreshed aircraft. And a viral video brought their consternation into stark relief. Management responded swiftly, freeing up space onboard by removing a row of seats.
The full refresh of these twinjets with new interiors is now complete, WestJet confirms.
“Unifying our narrowbody fleet is an important step in delivering the reliable and welcoming experience our guests and WestJetters expect from us,” says WestJet Group EVP and Chief Experience Officer Samantha Taylor.
“This milestone creates a stronger foundation for our teams to focus on delivering exceptional service and a seamless travel experience for our guests.”
WestJet in September will start retrofitting its legacy narrowbodies to include the enhanced amenities that are now available on its reconfigured aircraft. Roughly 14 Boeing 737-800s will be updated this year, it says, and the entire process is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Meanwhile, passenger comfort is also making a comeback elsewhere. And passenger voices are increasingly being heard.
To wit, Cathay Pacific recently announced it is refreshing and reconfiguring economy class on its 202-seat Airbus A321neos to offer a lower-density layout that enhances legroom. And Canada’s Porter Airlines is bringing more comfortable seats to its Q400 turboprops, after opting for an ultra-slimline platform during the COVID pandemic.
Related Articles:
- WestJet takes U-turn on densified economy aboard 737 MAX 8s
- Comfort makes a comeback as Porter Airlines refits Q400 turboprops
- WestJet adds Premium recliners to all-economy 737s under refresh
- WestJet rolls out superfast Starlink inflight Wi-Fi with no fanfare
Featured image credited to WestJet
