WestJet 787-9 New Routes Now Bookable, Use Delta SkyMiles In Economy

WestJet has 10 orders for the Boeing 787-9 with options for an additional 10 more aircraft. The airline will be getting their first 787-9’s early next year. In May, they revealed the interiors of the new planes and they look fantastic. The announcement of the purchase was a great news as more competition, especially in a market like Canada, is a good thing as Air Canada has largely held a monopoly on long haul flying from Canada .

WestJet’s 787’s will have business class seats that may look familiar. That is because they are the B/E Aerospace Super Diamond reverse herringbone seats found aboard other airlines like Air Canada and American Airlines (787-9 and select 777-200).  The planes will be configured with 304 total seats.

The Business class cabin is set up in a 1-2-1 configuration and will feature 18″ touch screen monitors, dine on demand food service, turn down bed service and fully extendable privacy panels between the middle seats.

Premium Economy cabin will be in a 2-3-2 configuration and will feature 13″ entertainment monitors, enhanced food and beverage choices, power outlets for each seat, and a walk up snack bar.

Economy will be in a 3-3-3 configuration and will feature 12″ entertainment screens, power ports at every seat, and up to a 35″ pitch.

WestJet first 787 routes

WestJet will first operate the 787-9’s on the following routes:

• Daily between Calgary and London (LGW) as of April 28, 2019
• 3x weekly between Calgary and Paris (CDG) as of May 17, 2019, 4x weekly June – August
• 2x weekly between Calgary and Dublin as of June 1, 2019, 3x weekly June – August

While these will be new routes for WestJet, they aren’t new destinations as they already serve London, Paris, and Dublin out of their other hubs with a 767 aircraft. It was rumored that they may use these planes for new destinations but that is still to be seen as WestJet continues to take delivery of their remaining 787-9’s. WestJet will be competing directly with Air Transat on the Calgary to London Gatwick route and they will be the only carrier from Calgary to Dublin and Paris.

WestJet has been struggling to find its place as it seems like they have too many irons in the fire. Within the past year we have seen them launch a new ultra low-cost carrier, Swoop, add a domestic first class product to its mainline fleet, and purchase the 787-9 with a proper business class and premium economy product.

How to book your ticket

Delta is the only partner that has availability using miles. WestJet does have their own frequent flyer program but its more complicated than its worth. Delta Air Lines is only showing economy fares using miles. I would imagine that eventually they will gain access to premium economy and business class availability if they struggle to fill the seats with paid fares.

These flights are fairly affordable in economy and using miles on these flight will only make sense in certain circumstances. We value Delta Airlines SkyMiles at around 1.1¢. With a round trip cost of 65,000 Delta SkyMiles you should only use miles for flight costing more than $715.00

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