FLYING THE 737 MAX! First Flight Back in Canada with WestJet

On January 21st, 2021, WestJet flew the first commercial Boeing 737 MAX flight in Canada in 22 months, from Calgary to Vancouver, and I was on board!
The flight, operated by the newest MAX in the fleet, C-FHCM, lasted just over an hour, with some spectacular views over the Rockies.
See what I thought of this historic flight!
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: WestJet Airlines (WJA/WS)
Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8 (B38M)
Flight Number: WS115
Seat: 4F
Livery: New (2018)
Engines: 2x CFM LEAP-1B
Registration: C-FHCM
Route: Calgary (YYC) - Vancouver (YVR)
Callsign: WESTJET 115
Runway used: 35L (YYC) - 26L (YVR)
Date filmed: January 21st, 2021
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Outro song - "Take Flight" by Nyhtian: • Nyhtian - Take Flight ...
© Alex Praglowski Aviation 2021
This video is the property of Alex Praglowski Aviation and may not be used for any purpose without prior permission. Contact me at the email in the "About" section of my channel for usage.

[@alecairpaag]

Don't know the CEO personally but that speach sounded sincerely from the heart. I'm glad for them.

[@Shiver2002]

I was thinking the same thing. the speech didn't sound as scripted as you would expect.

[@jimmerritt6340]

Definitely from the heart. I will fly in the max with Westjet at the first opportunity.

[@Jacksonrodriguez]

yep! I felt the same way! great speech indeed! It was genuine

[@andy567t]

New CEO of Boeing so the work environment has changed ,,,

[@markstevenson1646]

That speech was made sincerely from his wallet, now they have the flying coffin back in the air his end of year bonus is back on track

[@kicksledkid]

I like that Ed Sims and the Flight ops VP were on the flight. Adds a lot of confidence!

[@_w_w_]

Their wives loaded up on life insurance on the them...

[@tiktokvault4683]

Flight Ops VP was the captain. Very nice to see

[@crushingvanessa3277]

I wonder if Boeing execs went for a ride during testing?

[@Tony-vb4bh]

@@crushingvanessa3277 Yep. Dave Calhoon (CEO) was on the first MAX flight along with the head of their commercial aircraft head. The head (administrator) of the FAA also personally flew the MAX with the software updates before re-certifying it.

[@alleycatvietnam]

Agreed....Shows a lot of class.

[@kaiserman6667]

This very plane has been parked outside my office window for the entire time they were grounded. Sorry to see her go lol

[@royhsieh4307]

at least it wasn't attempting to land in front of your office.. lol

[@cdrlemuz]

Lucky 😠

[@jcspotter7322]

It's so good to see the MAX back in the skies

[@beau4690]

Yes indeed

[@robinmyman]

How many lives lost in a 737 with all the denial about its previous faults...not least of which was the defective rudder screws?

[@Elliott2001]

@@robinmyman stop moaning, Boeing is back baby! Time to teach airbussy a lesson.

[@electric7487]

@@robinmyman And people like you wonder why so many avgeeks have lost interest in aviation...

[@jcspotter7322]

@@robinmyman more people died in a single accident in 1977 from 2 747s, and people are still flying with them to this day: because after the accident the issues that let to that crash were fixed and redundant safety measures were put in place, same with the 737max

[@MrMig5terious]

That speech from the WestJet CEO was one that reassured people that it was a 737MAX return which prioritises passenger and crew safety over profits, but I'm nonetheless glad the MAX is back as it will help many airlines survive the Pandemic due to the fuel efficiency the MAX has to offer

[@TheHDAviation]

That's awesome you got up on the MAX's first flights back in service, looks like it was a beautiful morning to fly. You can't beat those mountain views!

[@rob_at_shop]

I'm so jealous. I so wanted to be on this flight. I almost ditched work to go. My responsibilities outweighed my heart unfortunately.

[@rob_at_shop]

Also from Calgary btw

[@tristanacosta407]

When southwest first flew the max. It was perhaps the most comfiest flight I’ve been on and it’s so amazing to see it fly again.

[@bobbraan8706]

Southwest and Air Canada both had engine issues and had to emergency land on one engine just moving the 737 Max on a ferry flight. What else is wrong with it? They flew for 1.5 years before they started crashing. Southwest had a deal with Boeing that it would cost Boeing $1 million per plane if new training was required for the Max. That's why MCAS was removed from the flight manual and pilots knew nothing about it. Until they started crashing.

[@jamesheggie1854]

Great video, it's so nice too see this jet back in service again. It's also really nice to see the CEO and other executives on this flight. I'll look forward to stepping onto a Max in the future.

[@chadnguyen6332]

I plan on flying on a 737 MAX. Such a cool aircraft.

[@markrhuett]

I wouldn't hesitate one bit flying on the Max. With all the scrutiny, it has to be the safest aircraft out there imo...

[@cee8226]

It's a tragedy really... to think that they allowed 737 again. I mean, I just came from James Asquith channel review about it and man, don't even think of getting first class coz it's almost the same as the economy.

[@habirton]

Really? The company is still being run by the same executives (aside from the CEO who was pushed out). Same structure. Same FAA and other agencies that certified it to begin with. What really changed aside from a second sensor for the MCAS (the fact that it was certified with one is mind boggling), a software update, and a lot of PR?

[@fecesd5g]

this comment didn't age well 😂

[@andrewcunnison6975]

Thank You Alex!!! So excited about the Max return

[@joeblow4639]

Incredible airplane! Definitely one of the safest planes in the world! Go Boeing!

[@bobbraan8706]

"The Boeing 737 Max is now the deadliest mainstream jetliner." Airbus A320 and older 737 models are among the safest.

[@ethansaviation2672]

@@bobbraan8706 you jusr copied you comment 😂

[@mapleleafaviation304]

Can't believe you made that flight! I've been waiting for this long, waiting for that one day they said "its officially cleared to fly." Keep up the great content Alex, and safe travels to you! 👍🏼

[@Bluelobster112]

So happy this bird is flying again. Really wish i was on it!

[@yotamsherf]

you're SO LUCKY you get to fly over the rockies so often

[@jimwiens742]

I am jealous, I would have loved to be on that flight. I trust WestJet and their crews that they will do all they can to make any trip on any plane safe and enjoyable. The only thing I miss flying with WestJet is the early flight crews that made jokes and kept the passengers coming back for more.

[@janfurne]

everyone freaking out about the max when in reality its probably safer now than most aircraft after vigorous testing the past 2 years, compared to many other aircraft it still has very low accidents and incidents compared to any other aircraft.

[@janfurne]

@Nic Lazzari for real

[@TheOwenMajor]

It was always safe. What isn't safe is flying on a third world airline. Boeing's faults are minor when you read how incompetent the airlines and pilots involved in the crashes were.

[@tangill747]

I agree with both sides. I can relate to people who lost loved ones in those 2 accidents and those who lost their confidence in Boeing. But as an airline pilot who flies the 737 various type have confidence in Boeing, Transport Canada and my fellow colleagues flying the max to be safest aircraft out in the industry. I can't wait to get recertification on this again.

[@giovanniramos849]

@@TheOwenMajor you’re kidding correct?

[@teammeteamus.8315]

I’m gobsmacked by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

[@michellevesque2130]

I love the Max-8 ! In my collection I have the WestJet 737-8 C-GZSG with the new livery from Gemini200 in 1/200 scale....I also have a WestJet 737-700 in the previous livery ! These and the DC-9's are my favorite airplanes....

[@charlottetyler8358]

Amazing, where Are you originally from Madam?

[@ryandymond2195]

Great to see the 737 MAX flying again in Canada!!!

[@petergoertzen8692]

Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to flying the 737 max

[@friknob7428]

WOW! The new westjet livery is gorgeous! I need to check it out one of these days

[@allenignacio9790]

I love the way how they introduce the max again with the confidence and explain well

[@canadiandeplorable2087]

Should be the safest aircraft of all time now. Boeing has put all of their reputation on this aircraft. I would fly on it anytime.

[@cdsmrailaviation1099]

Absolutely amazing, that sunrise is incredible!

[@jenellamaicabuan308]

Hello you should also check James Asquith KZbin video as he gave his honest review regarding the 737 max. :)

[@skarabraeranch2093]

Thanks Alex, very informative & kudos to the WestJet team for their transparency & sensitivity on the Max issue.

[@flex5002]

One of my favorite Jets

[@chuckwin100]

This bodes well to inspire confidence needed by the flying public to get past the 2 crashes.

[@jeckyyeung5072]

It's sad not being able to fly; but it's happy to be able to watch your flight review video, at least it brings back my fond memories in the sky....

[@DOMINICAAVIATION]

Incredible video! Glad to see this bird back in the skies where it belongs.

[@some_funny_dude_named_bran5144]

I’m glad no one clapped after the landing

[@9999AWC]

@Faelynn Washington Us pilots don't like that. It's kinda like saying "Oh thank goodness we're on the ground. I thought we were gonna die and that the landing was gonna be attrocious"

[@9999AWC]

@Faelynn Washington It's not so much disrespectful as it is similar to an annoying remark or it kinda undermines the flight/experience a bit. My previous example was a bit extreme.

[@kevinklassen4328]

In general I dislike when people clap on landings. However in this case I think it would be a reasonable thing to do, to celebrate the first completed flight of the MAX.

[@ToastRunnerHere]

I am glad she is back in service!

[@JasonB808]

The best way to get people to fly the max again is to point out the planes are super clean, still have that new car smell. Best for the COVID-19 conscious traveler.

[@joshpeace2002]

So nice to see these birds back flying again

[@TheYang2208]

the pilot absolutely buttered the runway. softest landing i've ever seen

[@justforsheba]

Flew on it 2x in 2019. Would have no problem doing it again.

[@_MikeCanada]

Amazing!

[@ey7290]

5 years flawless flying, then Ill trust it

[@Hilde_von_Derp]

I never will. That airframe is a betrayal of everything good engineering is supposed to be. Everyone who was complicit with obscuring the importance of the MCAS in keeping the airframe stable should be up on manslaughter. They fudged so planes could sell and passengers paid the price.

[@theglobalpeasant]

Nice, sleek interior on WJ's Max. ...but they gotta bring back coffee for those AM flights!

[@scottgoodwin1073]

I hope for Boeings sake their employees and of course the passengers and crew that all is resolved with this aircraft type and it has a safe and long service

[@TheOwenMajor]

The issues were always with the airlines, not Boeing. If you look at the actual crashes, it becomes clear that the airlines in question had poor maintenance and training, and their pilots lacked competency.

[@l.faraday8767]

We have always flown WestJet and if we can get this plane again, we’ll book with them in 2022.

[@aviation1912]

YAY!!! the 737 MAX

[@kallek5655]

Great report, it's nice to see videos of those first post-grounding flights :)

[@DreamVirtualFlight]

Well done sir. Welcome MAX back in the sky again!!

[@dougtarbet6193]

Bravo Westjet! Loved the landing right on the 1000 for marker. Perfect glide path to la nding. I too will have no problem flying the 737 Max.

[@reecetbobby5347]

Well said. I don't get all these "experts" who refuse to step on to one of these planes. I mean do you really think they would re-certify them after two years without scrutinizing the living hell out of these things?? No way in hell they'd allow them back in the skies unless they were completely satisfied that they're safe to do so. I'll get on one any day.

[@a-10thunderboltii24]

@@reecetbobby5347 True. I think Boeing knows the risks with Airbus on their tail.

[@markstevenson1646]

@@reecetbobby5347 you mean like they were completely satisfied they were safe in the first place ?!!!, good luck being a guinea pig for these incompetent fools

[@reecetbobby5347]

@@markstevenson1646 How long has it been since they've been flying again? Know of any problems any more cuz I don't....

[@markstevenson1646]

@@reecetbobby5347 nobody was aware of any problems first time round bobby me old mucker, and that didn't end up too well for them did it (well nobody outside of Boeing anyway)

[@shirleytwsw]

Smooth and quiet aircraft!

[@karlossargeant3872]

Westjet Boeing 737 Max 8 Looks Kool in The New Livery way better than Air Canada New Livery I hope too see them in Toronto or Calgary when I fly again right after COVID-19 Passes!!!!!!

[@jonweigand3712]

I have to say the video of the airport in the morning in YYC was shocking!! I've never been to an airport that was so deserted! I guess we'll see how the Max performs over the next few years to produce operating experience to see if it continues to be safe. (although as an side, it did have thousands of flights before the accidents) .

[@summerrayy7550]

It’s unfortunately YYC is like this do to the pandemic, usually it’s absolutely packed in the morning, or really anytime of the day.

[@athleticguy15]

@Jon Weigand, Yes, many people have forgotten that.

[@happycanayjian1582]

And here we are almost 3 years later. The Max-8 rules the Canadian skies, is safe as it ever was (WS has the -10 on order) and YYC will easily surpass its previous passenger record totals of 2019.

[@00bikeboy]

You did a fantastic job with this video. The production was excellent. I especially liked that you just let us listen to the takeoff without narration. Not going to fly on a Max any time soon though, I'll let others like yourself test it for me.

[@cee8226]

I think everyone should be aware of how 737 flight is nowadays. I just came from James Asquith review about it and man, don't even think of getting first class coz it's almost the same as the economy.

[@EhviatorProductions]

Nice to meet you Alex! Keep up the amazing and supporting this incredible industry

[@yhfhdcf]

finally a first 737 max flight in 2021

[@medjetaviation]

Great video Alex. I flew the MAX with Aeromexico recently. What a great aircraft.

[@breeze1472]

Youre a braver man than me i will say

[@AnimationGoneWrong]

Alex, thank you for this video! Great to see WestJet flying these again. They seem to have gotten everything right with this.

[@jackreid3523]

Oh everything seems fine..... “Hears a thump sound” “Oh fuck”

[@cee8226]

Yeah I saw this review from James Asquith about 737 MAX first class... apparently they just added a thin sheet of plastic to separate the economy hahahah it's funny, you should watch it!

[@jackreid3523]

@@cee8226 lmao 😂 thanks for recommending the video I’ll watch it

[@ianmcgee9945]

It's nice to see the Max flying again. I hope to try one sometime when Covid is over. Love your videos too!

[@mapp4751]

Great job Alex very glad to see the Max back flying and i am sure lessons have been learned by not just Boeing but the whole aviation industry! i look forward to flying on this a/c once we are out from under the covid beast!

[@FREEDOMPROSPECTOR]

Your crazy those things are bricks with wings.

[@rylans.5365]

What?

[@curtismason3121]

Thank you for your positive trip report of this flight. I was in 26A and the flight was flawless!

[@jawadkhan3696]

Great video Alex , good to see the Max back to skies .

[@woodytfc]

Another well shot video. Beautiful Scenery as always. Thanks Alex

[@stanleovart]

You are brave to fly max now! MAN!

[@dariushmilani6760]

Glad you're on the air again Alex. let's see you fly more frequently.

[@andrewsanderson1235]

Great video. Welcome back max.

[@737MaxPilot]

Just to clarify, that picture on the safety card is of an NG, as the engine cowlings and the tailcone are the two giveaways. Many NGs have been retrofitted with scimitar wingtips. Nice report, glad to hear a positive word about the airplane. I really like flying it, an know it will be the safest airplane in the sky now.

[@rikjanssens8971]

MAX FOREVER 👍

[@ej5936]

Great video super clear and awesome content, thanks for sharing. GO BOEING 737

[@daveschwartz5893]

Nice little speech. Helps to have the brass on board. Not sure who was on AA flight. I don't think Doug Parker was on board.

[@davidberryman9688]

I flew the Max in 2018 and absolutely loved the experience. It is a beautiful aircraft and I’m very happy to see it back in service. Thanks for producing this video, it was very entertaining and your photography is out of this world. Looking forward to viewing your return trip.

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Great video Alex thank u!

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

great... you survived

[@jeremyscott6920]

You did a great job. As for Boeing trying to make it right, I see Boeing has been going way above and beyond to make sure these will be the safest aircraft in the sky.

[@markstevenson1646]

You mean they've done what they should have done in the first place and only because they've been forced and shamed to do so

[@rommelcruz3651]

Wonderful! I would fly the B-737 max any given day! I know it is a very safe aircraft. Kudos to Westjet! You are awesome!

[@crushingvanessa3277]

Let's cross our fingers. I'm sure every new airliner will have MCAS in them now since that's how it goes. Interesting the crew told the pass. not to unbuckle until stopped. Each time I come home to Winnipeg, everyone unbuckles as soon as the reversers come off and are getting their luggage, standing in the isle. Peggers are very impatient. Glad you recorded this and the registration.

[@Ben_Stewart]

This is great. Hope you enjoyed the trip.

[@Fungamer4570]

I flew a max 8 from halifax to toronto and back. I have to say that the max 8 is insanely spacious for the size of the plane (im a tall guy and had plenty of leg room) And I havent flown much ever but my mother who used to travel for work keeps raving about how its the smoothest flight shes ever been on.

[@_w_w_]

So glad there are many excited about the Max... Please book on the Max and free up seats on the other aircraft types for me...

[@tarifhalabi]

Good one 👍

[@thepersonuknow2319]

That cockpit though, amazing!

[@dusmany]

Safe flight guys ... God Bless !!

[@jaypek43-Phil]

Good vid, Alex! Some fantastic views out that window! The colours in the dawn sky and the snow capped Rockies...outstanding!

[@ApexAviation9782]

I saw it on flightradr, and said to my self, Alex might be on Lol, guess I found out

[@roberthegarty1121]

Love the sound from those rolles Royce leam 1 turbo fan engines and im glad the 737 max is back in the air

[@JayJayAviation]

They’re CFM LEAP-1Bs

[@ThePowerofJames]

You sir are the man. Very impressive and love the support for a Canadian icon!

[@marylynngallant5168]

Those views over the Rockies! Beautifully filmed👍🏻

[@bobbyblitzo9124]

What a good roll!

[@lindyisgoated28]

6:12 i love that part its so fun

[@amtrakharry]

That was excellent Alex! Thank you for sharing this with us ... :):):) Take care and be safe out there...

[@ogjk]

Beautifully shot and edited great job!

[@irvhh143]

Your boyhood dream has come true! For the price of a ticket, you can be a test pilot.

[@FinnTheCanadian]

Nice one Good to see her running great again New livery looks fresh

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

I’d trust west jet and feel safe!

[@flyingtigers3376]

Thank you for this cool video.

[@Sacto1654]

I keep on forgetting that the 737 MAX uses the CFM International LEAP-1B engine. No wonder it sounds like the LEAP engine variants of the A320neo.

[@anthonysaab9359]

Passengers who know nothing about the 737 max listening to the pilots announcement: 😳😳😳😳

[@dynasty0019]

Your average passenger just doesn't care. In the end, pricing, schedules, and convenience will be the biggest deciding factor on which flights to fly, not aircraft type.

[@glenblonski]

Awesome video Alex thank u I really enjoy ur airline videos

[@tbwpiper189]

I love this clip...great aircraft and stunning scenery.

[@gregandkaruna6674]

Canada has high Covid rates good to see no one complaining about wearing masks, I am from NZ and we have no community Covid spread yet we also must wear a mask for even flying domestically which most are happy with although it is about the same flying time up to 1h20m so not too long to wear a mask..

[@moofey]

Depends on the province. BC has a mandatory mask restriction for all public indoor and sheltered spaces.

[@franky3654]

this comment did not age well

[@gregandkaruna6674]

@@franky3654 Very isolated outbreak, however unlike the US we will lock down if necessary, as has been done in past.

[@gregandkaruna6674]

@@franky3654 But you are right it did not age well, just like the many predictions from these cruise channels on when cruising will restart, they release a video and 1 hour later it aged very badly lol

[@ThePlenderleith]

Truly amazing views of the Rockies!

[@tednowak3112]

I worked...and still do in a Testing LAB.in CA....bOEING/..Airbus and more...I will fly the Max any time

[@JayJayAviation]

What do you test?