WestJet Airlines (TSX:WJA) has cancelled orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max aircraft as Canada’s aviation industry continues to struggle with the global pandemic.
WestJet has 27 737 Max aircraft remaining on order, the company said. In January, WestJet was the first Canadian airline to return the 737 Max to service after Transport Canada cleared the airplane to fly again after being grounded for two years following several fatal crashes.
WestJet has since returned three out of its 14 737 Max aircraft to service.
Air Canada cancelled orders for several Boeing 737 Max aircraft earlier in the pandemic, saying that the move was in response to market realities. Airlines in Canada have indicated that the industry is close to a deal with the federal government about a bailout for the beaten down sector, but, so far, no agreement with Ottawa has been announced.