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WestJet Begins 737-700 Retirement with FTAI Acquisition

September 28, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

WestJet begins retiring its 737-700 fleet.
FTAI Aviation acquires 27 aircraft.
17 aircraft are acquired in a sale-leaseback agreement.
10 off-lease aircraft support FTAI's Aerospace Products business.

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Strategic Implications

This acquisition may signal a shift in WestJet's fleet strategy, potentially indicating a focus on more fuel-efficient aircraft. The partnership with FTAI Aviation could suggest a growing trend of airlines collaborating with third-party companies for fleet management and retirement, which may benefit both parties in terms of cost savings and resource optimization.

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What Happened

Canadian Airline Partners with FTAI Aviation for Fleet Transition

WestJet has officially started retiring its Boeing 737-700 fleet after FTAI Aviation acquired 27 aircraft operated by the Canadian airline. The acquisition includes 17 aircraft in a sale-leaseback agreement and 10 off-lease aircraft to support FTAI’s Aerospace Products business. WestJet’s CEO had previously announced plans to accelerate the retirement of its oldest 737-700s due to high fuel prices. The deal was facilitated by FTAI’s Strategic Capital business, which aims to acquire mid-life 737NG and A320ceo aircraft. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: September 28, 2026

Companies Mentioned