Industry WestJet takes delivery of first 787 Dreamliner

course of a ceremony. Registered C-GUDH, the aircraft is the first of nine additional 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that will join the carrier´s fleet.

The first aircraft, wearing serial number 64074, was delivered as WS8968 from Everett to Calgary on a one-hour and seven minutes flight. WestJet´s new flagship is named after airline founder Clive Beddoe.

"Today's delivery marks a new chapter for WestJet," said Ed Sims, president and CEO of Calgary-based WestJet. "Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is one of the most technologically advanced aircraft ever flown and is the perfect platform for our transition to a global network carrier. We look forward to bringing Canadians to the world and the world to Canada in comfort and style."

Two years ago, WestJet announced that it would buy 10 787-9s with options to purchase 10 more. The delivery marks a milestone for the company, as new international routes can now be operated in the most profitable way.

First destination of the brand new 787-9 outside Canada will be Dublin. WestJet is currently planning to start commencing this route in spring. This flight could become the first ever flight that connects Calgary with the Irish capital. After the launch of Dublin operations, WetJet will send the 787 to London-Gatwick and Paris. Gatwick is currently being served by aging Boeing 767-300s.

Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company added: "We are excited to welcome our friends at WestJet to the Dreamliner family. The airline has achieved impressive growth with the Boeing 737 and will now use the 787's unmatched performance and passenger comforts to profitably launch a new 'global era'."

The low-cost carrier has configured its Dreamliners in a three-class configuration. In total, 320 passengers can be accommodated.  A modern cabin with large windows and an all-new business class will enhance passenger experience, said the airline.

Initially, WestJet was founded in 1996 with headquarters in Calgary, Alberta. Now, main operational bases are at Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary Airports. WestJet serves over 100 destinations with a fleet of 120 Boeing 737 Next-Gens, four 767-300s and the new 787-9.