The Boeing 737 MAX 8 remains a prominent player in the aviation industry, lauded for its capabilities and popularity among airlines, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Notably, the Canadian market plays a significant role, with Sunwing Airlines and WestJet leading the way with extensive flight operations to leisure destinations in the Caribbean.
Sunwing Airlines, a subsidiary of WestJet, is set to merge with the parent company in May 2025. Both airlines primarily serve Canadian travelers heading to beach resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico. The routes, over 2,500 miles in length, are predominantly vacation-oriented, catering to the demand for tropical getaways from the northern regions of Canada.
Notable routes operated by Sunwing Airlines include flights from Edmonton to Punta Cana and Calgary to Montego Bay. WestJet, with its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, operates flights from Vancouver to Cancun among others. While Sunwing configures its MAX 8 aircraft exclusively with economy seats, WestJet offers a two-class configuration, including premium economy.