WestJet reports October traffic results

Airline flies record number of guests for October

CALGARY, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced October 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 77.4 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 6.7 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), also grew 6.7 per cent over the same period. WestJet flew 79,000 more guests this October compared to October of last year.

"We reported another strong load factor and achieved a new record for the month of October by carrying over 1.3 million guests," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Demand kept pace with our capacity additions this month and our forward bookings remain healthy."

"As we enter into the busy booking period for southern vacations, we believe the relevancy of our rewards programs, not charging for the first checked bag and, most importantly, our friendly service make us the leading choice for Canadians as they select an airline or vacation package provider," continued Gregg Saretsky. "I would like to thank WestJetters for their caring and outgoing nature which is always evident as they serve our guests and represent our brand."

Effective November 1, 2011, WestJet has expanded its rewards programs. Members of the Frequent Guest Program will now start earning rewards with their first WestJet flight flown or WestJet Vacations package purchased as the annual qualifying spend requirement has been eliminated. WestJet RBC MasterCard holders also automatically become members of the Frequent Guest Program so they can earn WestJet dollars through purchases on their card and also by flying with WestJet.

"Since the launch of our rewards programs in the spring of 2010, we have received great feedback from members who appreciate the transparency of our program and the easy to understand approach of the WestJet dollar in terms of valuation and redemption," said Gregg Saretsky. "We have also had numerous inquiries from less frequent travelers asking if we could find a way to reward them for choosing WestJet. With our expanded rewards programs, all of our guests now have the opportunity to earn reward dollars when they fly with us, starting with their first flight."

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding forward bookings, 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 under WestJet's profile on SEDAR 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.

WestJet third quarter 2011 analysts' conference call
WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts' conference call on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 9 a.m. MST (11 a.m. EST). President and CEO Gregg Saretsky and Executive Vice-President of Finance and CFO Vito Culmone will discuss WestJet's third quarter 2011 results and answer questions from financial analysts and members of the media. The conference call will be available in Toronto by calling 416-915-3239, in Vancouver by calling 604-638-5340 and across Canada and the United States through the toll-free telephone number 1-800-319-4610. The call can also be heard live through an Internet webcast accessible via the Media and Investor Relations section of www.westjet.com.

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. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 96 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 39 aircraft through 2018, 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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