Retired WestJet Airliner Flies on in Spirit

Aircraft number MSN 32404 may have left the WestJet fleet, but it’s not forgotten. Its metal registration plate will hang prominently in the airline’s offices in Calgary, Alberta, a constant reminder of the first Boeing 737NG delivered to WestJet in 2001.

Honeywell recently presented the framed registration plate to John Kelly, vice president of technical operations, after acquiring the aircraft for its Honeywell Aerospace Trading (HAT) business, which specializes in the environmentally friendly practice of reselling used aircraft components, parts and materials for use on other planes.

“We were delighted to recognize one of our great airline customers,” said Jorn Bates, a customer business director for air transport and regional carriers at Honeywell. “We understand how special this aircraft, tail number 001, was to WestJet as it was the first 737NG in the WestJet fleet.”

The now-retired MSN 32404 had a long and distinguished flying career at the airline between its first flight in May 2001 and its final leg in July 2019. In all, the airplane made 28,852 flights – averaging more than 4.3 flights per day – and spent 62,775 hours in the air.

WestJet is a longtime Honeywell customer, said Eric Stoup, area sales manager. “We have an excellent working relationship with WestJet. In addition to all the Honeywell products that fly on WestJet’s fleet of Boeing aircraft, we also provide a range of services to help the airline maintain its fleet.”

 “Acquisition of MSN 32404 bolsters our ability to support the 737NG product line for airline customers the world over,” said Paul Mendoza, HAT business development manager. “The removed components will be fully recertified and made available for sale at the Honeywell Distribution Center in Phoenix or through our storefront on GoDirect Trade.”