Sunwing's new Boeing 737 MAX 8 takes flight

Sunwing Airlines welcomed the newest member of its fleet on Friday (May 25) as the company’s first brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 touched down in Toronto, fresh from the factory in Seattle.

Earlier that day, the first of four new aircraft was celebrated at an inauguration event at Boeing’s Seattle delivery centre, where guests - including PAX - got an up-close look at the plane and its features on the tarmac, before boarding the flight home to Pearson International Airport. Sunwing’s newest addition was quickly put into service, flying from Toronto to Cancun on Saturday, May 26.

The second Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will be delivered the following week, with the remaining two 737 MAX planes anticipated to be delivered in 2019. The $350 million deal also included the acquisition of two further Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Mark Williams, president, Sunwing Airlines

The next generation

Mark Williams, president of Sunwing Airlines, told PAX that the arrival of the first Boeing 737 MAX 8 heralds the next evolution of the Sunwing fleet.

“We’re really excited to have this craft in our fleet,” he said. “Right now, we’ve got an order for four aircraft plus two more for a total of six; we have the ability to take nine additional airplanes. The plan is to replace the entire fleet of 737 NGs with the MAX by 2024.”

The new plane boasts plenty of features to make flying enjoyable. Immediately noticeable on the inaugural flight were the quiet engines, which also use less fuel and are expected to help Sunwing reduce its carbon footprint; according to Williams, the 737 MAX 8 will boost fuel efficiency by 14 per cent.

A look inside the new Boeing 737 MAX 8

Inside the aircraft, the 189 thin-profile seats create additional legroom for passengers, each featuring a USB charging station for mobile devices, while cabin mood lighting can be adjusted depending on the time of the flight.

While no new routes have yet been announced, Williams added that the additional fuel efficiency could lead to the launch of longer direct flights.

“Right now, we’re focused on the replacement of aircraft, not expansion,” he said, adding that while there are currently no new gateways to be announced for the coming winter season, Sunwing will return to Mont-Joli, Quebec this winter, as the company continues to make inroads in the province.

First Officer Jessalyn Teed

The delivery flight was piloted by Ron Henry, one of Sunwing’s first pilots, and First Officer Jessalyn Teed, a recent graduate hired through Sunwing’s cadet program in partnership with the University of Waterloo.

“I’m very excited to be bringing Sunwing’s first 737 MAX 8 home,” Teed told PAX, adding that she will be flying the MAX 8 up to four times monthly. “I feel very honoured to have this opportunity.