WestJet converts purchase options for five Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft

WestJet Encore fleet to reach 25 aircraft by end of 2015

CALGARY, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced it has converted five of its 25 options to firm orders for Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2015. The first of the five will arrive in June 2015.

With the conversion of these options, WestJet will have a fleet of 25 Q400s by the end of 2015. The airline has further options for 20 more Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft between 2016 and 2018.

"From our fleet of nine Q400s today, this growth will enable us to expand and strengthen our network," said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. "These aircraft will serve new markets, increase frequencies between existing cities, and strengthen our network by creating new connections between existing markets and optimizing capacity by time-of-day. We also anticipate new transborder opportunities as we continue to grow.

"Our goal has been to liberate Canadians from the high cost of air travel and we are delivering," continued Ferio Pugliese. "Our low-cost business model and remarkable guest experience has enabled WestJet Encore to be a success for Canadians and for WestJet. We look forward to continuing this successful and sustainable growth story."

Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding the expected timing and benefits of the aircraft deliveries and the anticipated new transborder opportunities as we continue to grow, is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Corporation's control, including those risk factors referred to under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in WestJet's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2013. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers.  We offer scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries.  Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more.  Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods -- even on seat sales.  For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes:
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2013 Gold Stevie Award Best Transportation Company (American Business Awards)
2013 Chairman's Circle Award: WestJet Vacations (CPSC)
2013 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Leger Marketing)
2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine)

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet
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Read the WestJet blog at blog.westjet.com

SOURCE WestJet

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