WestJet gains ETOPs for 767s, flies own widebodies to Hawaii

WestJet has launched flights from Calgary and Edmonton to Hawaii using its own Boeing 767-300ERs, a major step for the Canadian low-cost carrier as it gears up for wide-body service to London Gatwick.

WestJet, formerly an all-737 operator, took delivery of its first wide-body, a 767-300ER, in August 2015. It was the first of four used 767-300ERs that WestJet is adding to its fleet. WestJet planned to start seasonal 767-300ER services from western Canada to Hawaii in December with two of those 767s. However, those plans hit a snag because the aircraft did not have extended-range twin-engine operation (ETOPs) certification.

Last month, WestJet began the Hawaii services via two wet-leased 767s from Omni Air International. But after operating its owned 767s between Toronto and Calgary temporarily, WestJet was able to gain the necessary ETOPs certification and the aircraft are now being deployed between Calgary and Honolulu and between Edmonton and Maui.

“This certification allows the aircraft to be operated for extended distances over water and is required for WestJet’s service to Hawaii and to London Gatwick, which commences service in May 2016,” WestJet said in a statement.

WestJet’s 767-300ERs are configured with 262 seats, including 24 premium economy seats.

WestJet will operate 767 flights to London Gatwick from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto starting in May; the flights from Toronto and Calgary will be year-round.
In addition to its mainline 737s and 767s, WestJet also operates an all-Bombardier Q400 regional subsidiary.

(Aaron Karp - ATWOnline News)