WestJet unveils cabin reconfiguration and IFC updates
WestJet is investing in updated cabin interior and amenities
WestJet is investing in a consistent onboard guest experience with an updated cabin interior and amenities to create a cohesive look and feel across WestJet’s formerly Economy-only aircraft. A full cabin refresh will introduce upgraded Premium seating onto these aircraft and significantly expand the offering of Extended Comfort seating options.
The modern cabin experience will offer a bright, airy atmosphere with an upgraded design that features new seats, adjustable headrests and enhanced cushion and back support with a fixed recline design in Economy that helps preserve personal space. The interior will also include in-seat power sources, personal phone/tablet holders and reworked lavatories and galleys.
“The cabin has been thoughtfully designed to offer WestJet’s welcoming service at every budget,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer. “It reflects our commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience and meeting guest demand for a broader range of product offerings.”
WestJet’s new aircraft interior will feature a refreshed Premium cabin with 12 seats that are the same model as in WestJet's 787-9 Dreamliner fleet: ergonomically contoured seat cushions, reclining seat backs and a large headrest with four-way adjustment capability.
In the Economy cabin, the new and larger Extended Comfort section, located directly behind Premium features 36 seats with extra legroom and will be separated from the Economy cabin by a cabin divider. Exit row seating in the Economy cabin remains an option for travelers who want the most legroom.
The standard seating in the Economy cabin offers choices ranging from less space at the back to more space near the front of the cabin, and upgraded seats featuring seatback contouring to maximize legroom, ergonomically designed, contoured bottom and back cushions.
New cabin experience creates more options for Canadians
In line with the airline’s strategy, a variety and segmentation of seating choices are designed to fit every comfort and budget level and create more options for Canadians. Ultra slim-line seats allow enough space onboard to add one seating row compared to the airline’s prior standard layout, reducing the cost per seat and helping to provide Canadians with affordable fares and optionality.
“WestJet has always been a pioneer in making air travel available to Canadians, largely through keeping costs low to offer affordable airfares,” said Taylor. “The layout for our refreshed cabin caters to our guests’ diverse preferences. Whether they opt for Premium seating with extra amenities and legroom or for more affordable ticket prices with less space, we’re excited to introduce this range of products for our guests to enjoy.”
WestJet Rewards members and employees helped select the new seats in January 2023, by testing and sharing their experiences on which options were the most comfortable. A complete cabin prototype was tested this summer, and feedback was incorporated to help shape rollout, training and preparation for the launch.
Updates to inflight connectivity
Installation of WestJet Wi-Fi presented by TELUS will complement cabin enhancements on WestJet’s aircraft. The high-speed, low-latency internet technology provides the same reliable streaming-level speeds in the air that passengers are used to on the ground. WestJet Wi-Fi is free for WestJet Rewards members.
Installation of WestJet Wi-Fi across the fleet is ongoing and is planned to be completed on all its 737-800 and MAX-8 aircraft by the end of the year.
