WestJet to Purchase More Aircraft in 2005

WestJet's Board of Directors has approved the purchase of seven additional Next-Generation Boeing 737-series aircraft to be delivered in 2005. WestJet's plan to purchase seven additional Next-Generation Boeing 737-series aircraft in 2005 will bring the number of new aircraft added to the airline's fleet in 2005 to 12. The seven additional 737-series aircraft are subject to approval for financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

In 2000, WestJet signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 26 737-700s with the option to purchase 48 additional aircraft. With today's announcement, WestJet will have now converted 13 options into firm orders, bringing the total number of firm purchases to 39.

Towards the end of 2005, WestJet plans to retire three of its Boeing 737-200s and is reviewing the various options available for the replacement of these three aircraft and the then remaining 15 737-200s in its fleet. At the end of 2005, WestJet will have a total of 63 aircraft in its fleet, consisting of 48 Next-Generation 737 aircraft and 15 737-200 aircraft.

Clive Beddoe, WestJet's President, CEO and Executive Chairman, said today: "We are very pleased to announce our plan to purchase seven additional Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft in 2005. These aircraft have played a crucial role in our growth and assisting us in the pursuit of our declining cost structure, and thereby contributed to our ongoing profitability." WestJet serves 24 Canadian cities.

FMI: www.westjet.com