[Herald Economy = Reporter Min Seong-ki] WestJet, a Canadian low-cost airline, has announced that it will convert the reclining option in economy seats on some flights into a paid feature, sparking controversy.
According to recent reports from foreign media such as ABC News, WestJet is planning to redesign the aircraft interiors so that all seats are economy class, and fixed seats without a reclining function will be the default seating option.
This modification will apply to a total of 43 narrow-body aircraft, including models like the Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800.
A WestJet spokesperson, in an interview with ABC News, stated that after testing with passengers, half of the respondents preferred fixed reclining to prevent other passengers from encroaching on their space. However, extended comfort seats and premium cabins will still offer the reclining feature as before.
Experts have analyzed this decision as a move aimed at increasing airline fares. John Gradek, a professor of aviation management at McGill University in Canada, criticized the decision in an interview with CBC News, stating that “airlines are monetizing more additional services to maximize revenue,” and converting what was a basic function of economy seats into a paid option creates another tier.
WestJet currently operates routes to 19 U.S. states, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. The company announced that the first newly reconfigured aircraft will begin operations at the end of this month, with modifications of 42 more aircraft to be completed by early next year.
Popular among Canadian travelers for its low fares, WestJet holds the second-largest market share in the Canadian aviation sector.
However, WestJet is in a state of capital erosion, recording a negative capital total of approximately 2.6 trillion won as of the end of 2024, with consecutive losses reported over the past three years.