WestJet reports a strong May load factor of 77.7 per cent

News provided by

WestJet

Jun 03, 2010, 08:30 ET

Airline flies 125,000 more guests this May compared to last

CALGARY, June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - WestJet today announced May 2010 traffic results with a strong load factor of 77.7 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) increased 18.9 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 13.4 per cent over the same period. The airline flew an additional 125,000 guests in May 2010 compared to May 2009.

"Considering our double-digit increase in capacity, which all went into our southern markets, we are very pleased with our May traffic results," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "This month, we saw solid demand domestically and for our newly introduced year-round service to a number of sun destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean."

"As we head into the busy summer season, I'm especially appreciative of the world-class guest experience our dedicated team of WestJetters continues to provide to our guests," added Gregg Saretsky. "Thanks to WestJetters' hard work, our recent service levels from both an operational and call centre perspective have been very good."

                           May 2010 traffic results

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                May 2010             May 2009         Change
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Load factor                   77.7%                74.1%         3.6 pts.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)               1.628                1.436           13.4%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)               1.265                1.064           18.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Year-to-date 2010    Year-to-date 2009    Change
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Load factor                   81.4%                79.3%         2.1 pts.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)               7.917                7.260            9.0%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)               6.441                5.758           11.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

WestJet launched an inbound interline agreement with Cathay Pacific Airlines in May as part of WestJet's strategic plans to expand into international markets and offer guests the opportunity to travel between points in Cathay Pacific's worldwide network to WestJet's Canadian points on a single reservation and ticket. In May, the airline also began seasonal non-stop service between Windsor and Calgary and between Toronto and Bermuda. WestJet is scheduled to fly daily in both markets until October 30, 2010.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 68-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into the corporate culture hall of fame after being named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 88 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 47 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

SOURCE WestJet

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