Originally Posted by
Symmetre
Don't be so sure on the seat count being higher than AC. Don't forget, AC currently flies the highest density seating in the industry for its 777-300s, and eliminated some washrooms to cram 458 seats into a 350-seat plane. They like density as much as anyone.
AF flies long haul 77Ws in denser configurations than AC. Regionally several operate 777-300s with more seats as well.
I presume if WS goes with lie flat seats, they'll be cut-rate high density ones like LX or old-777HD and a much smaller cabin than AC's typical 40J leading to higher capacity overall.
In terms of the 789, NZ, EY, LA, DY, TZ, and BY all have more total seats than AC.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
What is their incentive for providing a horrendous economy seat? If they are going after Air Canada's market, which is what they should be doing, offering a more comfortable seat with even a smidgen of extra space coupled with better service and seamless integration with Skyteam would put a nail in Air Canada's international business.
Hopefully Westjet is clear on who their competition really is.
Absolutely no one in Canada will compete on superior Y. It's laughable considering WS are the ones leading the race to the bottom by pioneering Canadian TATL Y with no meal service. The Canadian track record sucks:
1) AC - densifying
2) WS - densifying 737s + BOB long haul
3) Sunwing - regulatory max 737 seats
4) Air Transat - 9-abreast A330/A310, regulatory max 737 seats
Even if they were all-J, 10 789s will not put a nail in any market AC flies. WS is using 4 763s to serve just one destination, largely seasonally. AC is filling 6 77Ws, 1 789, 3 763s and a 319 daily to London (more seats than pre-WS service). Business traffic will still prefer LHR.