WestJet has announced it will acquire four B767-300ERs during late 2015 to launch its first wide-body flights, while the carrier's regional subsidiary WestJet Encore has converted options to acquire five additional Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprops.
The airline stated that the 767s will initially operate routes between cities in Alberta and Hawaii, adding that it "expects to expand its operation into overseas markets starting in the summer of 2016."
WestJet has not stated where it is acquiring the 767s from.
WestJet currently serves Hawaii through a partnership with Thomas Cook, which operates the flights using B757-200s. The Hawaii routes include Edmonton to Maui, and Calgary to Maui and Honolulu.
The five additional 86-seat Q400s have a value of $167 million based on list prices. The aircraft are part of a 2012 deal which included firm orders by WestJet for 20 Q400s and options for 25. WestJet exercised five of those options earlier this year.
The carrier currently has 13 Q400s in operation.