WestJet completes overhaul of former Swoop, Sunwing aircraft, finishes legroom retrofit

WestJet says it has completed the cabin transformation of its remaining all-economy aircraft, marking the end of a fleet-wide project to update planes formerly operated by Swoop and Sunwing Airlines.

The reconfigured aircraft now feature Premium seating, an expanded Extended Comfort cabin, upgraded amenities and a refreshed interior.

"Unifying our narrowbody fleet is an important step in delivering the reliable and welcoming experience our guests and WestJetters expect from us," said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group's executive vice-president and chief experience officer, in a press release. "This milestone creates a stronger foundation for our teams to focus on delivering exceptional service and a seamless travel experience for our guests."

New amenities across cabins

The updated Premium, Extended Comfort and Economy cabins include several new features aimed at improving the onboard experience.

Among them are fast and free WestJet Wi-Fi presented by TELUS, updated headrests with four-way adjustment, seatback holders for personal phones and tablets, modernized charging ports and coat hooks.

The work represents the completion of WestJet's commitment to overhaul aircraft that previously operated under the Swoop and Sunwing brands with all-economy configurations.

But the airline's cabin modernization program isn't finished yet.

Beginning in September, WestJet will start refurbishing its legacy narrowbody aircraft with the same enhanced amenities and expanded Extended Comfort cabins found on its newly reconfigured planes.

The project is expected to continue through the end of 2027, with approximately 14 Boeing 737-800 aircraft slated for upgrades this year.

WestJet is also working to bring a consistent look to the exterior of its narrowbody fleet. By the end of 2026, the airline says all of its aircraft will be flying with WestJet's teal and navy branding.

Legroom retrofit finished early

WestJet has also completed another cabin project ahead of schedule, restoring legroom on Boeing 737 aircraft that briefly operated with a 180-seat configuration.

The retrofit was originally expected to wrap up this fall, but was completed part-way through June.

All affected aircraft are now operating with 174 seats, along with refreshed interiors and enhanced amenities, including WestJet Wi-Fi presented by TELUS.

At the start of the year, the airline confirmed it would reverse course on its densified cabin configuration – which featured “fixed recline,” non-reclining seats with a 28-inch pitch – following high-profile customer backlash and a review of operational data and feedback from guests and WestJetters.

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