Helium in WestJet cabins? Only in an April Fools’ joke

Helium in the cabin of WestJet flights?

Nope, April Fools.

WestJet, the largest foreign airline by passenger count to serve McCarran International Airport, "announced" it would mix helium into the cabin air of its planes. WestJet said that because regular air is 80 percent nitrogen and helium is 85 percent lighter than nitrogen, substituting helium for nitrogen would lighten its planes.

Unsurprisingly, the "announcement" came on April 1, April Fools' Day.

In its April Fools' statement, WestJet calculated that helium would cut its fuel bill by 3 percent to 4 percent, a smart idea with aviation fuel prices rising. The airline promised to pass the savings to customers, even as other airlines continue to hike fares to compensate for fuel.

The statement continues a company tradition of April Fools' pranks.

Last year, the company "unveiled" a technology breakthrough that allowed passengers to control video programs and reading lights by clapping their hands.

In its 2008 April Fools' Day announcement, WestJet said it would start selling overhead bins as sleeping cabins for $12 per flight.