WestJet and Air Canada work to secure aircraft financing for Boeing wide and narrowbodies

Canadian airlines WestJet and Air Canada are busy preparing for upcoming aircraft deliveries as part of significant planned fleet changes at each company as they work to create the proper fleet profile for their respective business models.

WestJet recently marked a milestone with the delivery of its first Boeing 767 widebody, marking a time of rapid change at the airline during the last three years that also included the introduction of 70-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprops.

Air Canada in the short term is focussed on expanding its Boeing 787 widebody fleet, but is also preparing to add 737 Max narrowbodies beginning in 2017, the same year WestJet is adding the new next generation narrowbody to its fleet.

Each airline has also been working to line up financing for its upcoming deliveries, with WestJet tapping Export Development Canada and Air Canada capitalising on the EETC market that opened up to Canadian airlines in late 2012.