WestJet

1 · POSITION

WestJet unveiled its first business class on 8 May 2018 in Calgary, as part of a three-cabin Boeing 787-9 then due to arrive in early 2019. The interior was designed by PriestmanGoode, a design consultancy firm located in London, England. The airline described lay-flat mattresses, bedding and turn-down service, together with on-demand dining ordered from a touchscreen. A carrier opening a front cabin for the first time proposed it as a bed. [1]

2 · THE POD AND ITS SCREEN

The airline now describes private pods with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access, at a seat pitch of 46 inches and a seat width of 22 inches. It states that it is the only airline in Canada with fully extendable privacy screens. An 18.5 inch touch screen monitor, noise-cancelling headphones, Wi-Fi and seat power complete the place. Privacy here is provided by a screen that extends rather than by a door that closes. [2]

3 · A PALETTE FOR EACH CABIN

PriestmanGoode worked with colour, material and finish specialists and gave each cabin its own palette: a soothing Alpine lake blue in Economy, aurora-inspired shades and tones in Premium Economy, and earth tones the studio attributes to Canadian summers in Business. Signature forms and details recur through the aircraft, among them brand panels, a welcoming entrance and a self-service bar. The theme is stated as distinctly Canadian while being made to work on international routes. [3]

4 · THE TABLE AND WHAT IS HANDED OVER

The airline says meals carry Canadian and global influences and are served on dining ware inspired by our rich Canadian landscapes, its own wording. A welcome beverage is served prior to take off, Canadian and international wines are offered, and special dietary meals require 24 hours’ notice. An exclusive Herschel amenity kit, including nourishing skin care products, is given on transatlantic flights. Lounge access is available at selected airports, with priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage. [2]

5 · ⚑ CANDOUR

⚑ The 2018 announcement described a cabin that was not yet flying; the aircraft were then due in early 2019, and this entry does not establish when the product entered service. Being the only airline in Canada with fully extendable privacy screens is WestJet’s own claim. PriestmanGoode’s page describes a seat reclining into a bed but mentions neither pods nor screens, so the two accounts differ in emphasis. The cabin belongs to the Boeing 787-9 and must not be read across the fleet. [1–3]