WestJet’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (C-GUDH), named in honor of the airline’s chairman and founder, Clive Beddoe, was delivered to WestJet’s hometown of Calgary on January 17, marking a new global era for Canada’s favorite airline.

The aircraft departed Everett, Wash., in the morning after a naming ceremony in the presence of Mr. Beddoe, members of the WestJet executive team and select WestJetters.

WestJet will use its 320-seat Dreamliner to begin longer-range flying while giving guests a choice of Economy, Premium and Business cabins.

WestJet’s Dreamliners feature WestJet’s first lie-flat business cabin seats accompanied by luxurious blankets and pillows, turndown service and in-seat TVs, offering a premium service with a distinctly Canadian feel.  WestJet Premium will offer seats in a 2x3x2 configuration, an elevated guest experience with a separate and private cabin, cozy blankets and pillows available on every seat along with a self-serve social area.

The aircraft also features the Boeing-designed turbulence-dampening technology, improved air quality to reduce jetlag and larger windows that give an increased sense of space.

The first Dreamliner will fly guests domestically on Toronto/Calgary routes starting February 20 to assist with crew familiarisation before the first international service from Calgary to London (Gatwick) on April 28.

The second and third WestJet Dreamliners are currently on the production line at Boeing’s factory and will be delivered in February and March this year to coincide with the start of Calgary–Paris and Calgary–Dublin services respectively.

All photos by WestJet.

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