WestJet, a Canadian airline, has sold 27 Boeing 737-700 aircraft to FTAI Aviation. In the transaction, 17 of the aircraft will remain with WestJet through a sale-leaseback arrangement, meaning WestJet will continue to operate them on lease, while the other 10 will be used by FTAI to support its maintenance and engine supply activities. The deal, announced on September 28, is described by WestJet as one of its largest aircraft-related transactions. Although the sale marks the beginning of the 737-700's exit from WestJet's fleet, the type will not immediately disappear from its flight program. The press release does not specify the price of the transaction or the deadline by which the 17 leased aircraft will cease flying for the company. Mike Scott, Chief Financial Officer of the WestJet group, stated in the FTAI Aviation press release that the transaction involving 27 aircraft represents a strategic milestone, marking the official beginning of the withdrawal of WestJet's 737-700 fleet. According to FTAI, the 10 aircraft not on lease will be used to increase its stock of CFM56-7B engines and modules for its maintenance, repair, and exchange customers. It is therefore incorrect to assume the 27 sold aircraft will be immediately dismantled: FTAI intends to keep the first 17 in lease with WestJet while capitalizing on the engines of the other 10. The group thus combines two complementary activities: the ownership of single-aisle aircraft still in operation and the supply of engines for the after-market. FTAI's dedicated investment entity, created in 2026, specifically targets Boeing 737NG and Airbus A320ceo mid-life aircraft already placed on lease. The 737-700 holds a long-standing place in WestJet's history: the airline received its first examples in 2001. In its published configuration, the aircraft offers 132 seats, compared to 174 for its 737 MAX 8 and 737-800. It thus maintains a different size within the fleet, even though WestJet is now implementing its gradual withdrawal. The transition is part of a broader fleet renewal program. In September 2025, WestJet announced an order for 60 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, with 25 options, as well as seven 787-9 aircraft, with four options. This order, however, does not by itself establish the exit date for the last 737-700 aircraft: no complete withdrawal schedule was communicated in the transaction announcement with FTAI.