WestJet has unveiled its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner livery, logo and cabin interior, including the airline’s first-ever business class cabin. The reveal comes as WestJet prepares to receive its first Dreamliner in early 2019.
“The introduction of Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft, is the dawn of a new era for WestJet and the next step in our transformation to a global network airline,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “The updated livery is modern and dynamic while the interior is world-class, distinctly Canadian and uniquely WestJet. Both reflect WestJet’s transition from a regional airline in 1996 to a new era of connecting Canada with the world and bringing the world to Canada.”
The WestJet Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features a three-class cabin including business class, premium economy and economy seating. The design was created by London-based PriestmanGoode and draws on Canadian themes.
Ben Rowan, Director at PriestmanGoode and Design Lead, said: “We set out to create a design tour of Canada onboard WestJet’s new fleet of Boeing Dreamliners, taking inspiration from the country’s stunning landscapes. From the luxurious, rich, earthy tones of the Canadian summer that has inspired Business Class, to the aurora inspired Premium Economy, and the fresh, invigorating tones of an Alpine lake in Economy, this new interior scheme will provide an enhanced and complete passenger experience that is uniquely WestJet. We believe this new in-cabin design will ensure WestJet can compete confidently in new markets.”
Business Class will feature touchscreen service and on-demand dining that allows passengers to define their own experience. Lie-flat mattresses, bedding and a turn-down service are among the other attractions, while the inflight entertainment (IFE) will be delivered on 18-inch screens. Privacy screens will also provide premium passengers with a more private space.
In Premium Economy, as well as additional legroom, passengers will find a premium menu, a self-serve social area with snacks and beverages, and more space to move and relax. In Economy Class, passengers will benefit from larger, self-dimming windows, and the the latest inflight entertainment and connectivity with in-seat device charging.
The updated logo and livery, which was overseen by Ove Brand Design, has also been unveiled. Boeing and Teague, a Seattle-based design firm, implemented the design on the aircraft. The font has been updated to Bliss, give the WestJet wordmark a more uniform and current style, while retaining the Maple Leaf symbol in a more contemporary and bold look. The logo also now uses a single colour to soften the regional emphasis on “west”.
In addition to the updated stylised Maple Leaf on the aircraft tail, another nod to WestJet’s heritage is in the form of the Canadian flag appearing at the front of the aircraft. The new livery will also marry both of Canada’s official languages with, “The Spirit of Canada” appearing on one side of the aircraft and the French translation, “L’esprit du Canada” on the other, both extending across the middle of the aircraft fuselage.
The livery will gradually appear across WestJet’s entire fleet as new aircraft are delivered in 2018 and as aircraft are repainted in their normal cycle. The Boeing 737 MAX-8 will be the first aircraft in the new livery appearing in June.
