WestJet Encore converts purchase options for nine Bombardier Q400 aircraft

CALGARY, June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced it has converted the last nine of its original 25 options to firm orders for Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between April 2017 and June 2018.

With the conversion of these options, WestJet Encore will have a fleet of 45 Q400 aircraft by the end of 2018. The airline has no further options for more Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

"The conversion of these options aligns with the WestJet Encore strategy of measured and profitable growth of our regional airline," said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. "These aircraft will be put to good use and will contribute significantly to our mission to grow new markets and solidify our network and schedule coast-to-coast."

In less than three years, WestJet Encore has gone from 10 daily departures to more than 168 daily departures serving a combined 36 destinations across Canada and into the United States.

WestJet now expects second quarter 2016 capital expenditures to be between $260 million and $270 million and full-year 2016 capital expenditures of between $900 million to $920 million, an increase from previous expectations primarily as a result of deposits associated with converting these purchase options.

Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding our expectation that second quarter 2016 capital expenditures of between $260 million and $270 million and full-year 2016 capital expenditures of between $900 million and $920 million is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The forward-looking information is based on a number of material factors and assumptions including those related to our current forecasts and strategy. 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 described in WestJet's public reports and filings which are available under WestJet's profile at www.sedar.com. 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 highest-rated airline for customer service, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers. We offer scheduled service to 100 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 150 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 westjet.com.  

Recent recognition includes:
2015/2011/2010/2008/2007/2006/2005 Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture (Waterstone Human Capital)
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)
2015/2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (MoneySense magazine)
2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in the Canada's Choice ranking (RewardsCanada.ca)
2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)
2014 Brands of the Year (Strategy magazine)
2014 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Ipsos)
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2014/2013/2012/2011 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)

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SOURCE WestJet

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