SubscribeCanada’s WestJet Airlines has announced it will roll back its controversial economy-cabin redesign that reduced legroom to a tight 28” seat pitch on select Boeing 737 aircraft, scrapping the extra row of seats and restoring its prior standard configuration. Seat crunch backlash prompted WestJet’s reversalIn September 2025, WestJet introduced a varied seating arrangement on some Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 MAX aircraft, installing ultra-slimline seats at the back with a 28” pitch and eliminating recline for many economy seats. WestJet’s goal was to fit an additional row of seats on the aircraft, which enabled it to offer more affordable airfares. Air Canada took a jab at WestJet’s decision to install non-reclining seats in the new cabins, pointing out that its new cabins would still offer reclining seats. The airline is currently working on a plan to return the aircraft, which had been configured to seat 180 to 174.

Source: Ethiopian News January 20, 2026 17:31 UTC