WestJet reports January load factor of 77.8 per cent

Airline flew an additional 51,000 guests this January compared to last

CALGARY, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced January 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 77.8 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 9.7 per cent year over year. Capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 11.2 per cent over the same period.

This month's load factor represents the second highest January in WestJet's history. "We are encouraged by improved pricing and demand in the air travel market, as well as the growth of our business bookings," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Our capacity additions continue to be absorbed and we are happy with our strong January load factor."

                         January 2011 traffic results

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                January 2011      January 2010       Change
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Load factor                    77.8%             78.8%         (1.0 pts.)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)                1.766             1.588            11.2%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)                1.374             1.252             9.7%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

WestJet recently released its summer schedule and added Orange County - Anaheim to its destination list. The airline will begin service to John Wayne Airport in May 2011, providing guests daily access to another California hot spot. "The summer schedule, which is WestJet's largest ever, offers expanded service across the network, giving guests additional flexibility and more opportunity to enjoy the caring WestJet guest experience. I thank WestJetters for their continued contributions and passion for this airline," concluded Gregg Saretsky.

WestJet will report its 2010 fourth quarter and year-end results on February 9, 2011. Following the release of these results, WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts' conference call at 7 a.m. MST (9 a.m. EST). WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky and Executive Vice-President of Finance and CFO Vito Culmone will discuss the airline's 2010 fourth quarter and year-end results and answer questions from financial analysts and the media. The conference call will be available in Toronto by calling 647-427-7450 and across Canada through the toll-free telephone number 1-888-231-8191. The call can also be heard live through an Internet webcast accessible via the Media and Investors section of www.westjet.com.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding WestJet's network expansion, growth plans, southern destination activity levels, improved pricing and demand for air travel, and corporate vision, contains forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. These forward-looking statements are based on WestJet's existing strategy and currently available implementation plans, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in guest demand, competitive environment and general economic conditions. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available through the Internet on WestJet's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. WestJet does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as is required by law.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, 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 93 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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SOURCE WestJet

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