WestJet reports record January load factor of 80.9 per cent

Airline flies 1.5 million guests in the month, an additional 87,500 guests

CALGARY, Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced January 2013 traffic results with a record load factor of 80.9 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.7 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 6.4 per cent over the same period. The airline flew 1.5 million guests in January, a year-over-year increase of 6.4 per cent or approximately 87,500 additional guests.

"Positive momentum continues into 2013 as January marks our seventh consecutive monthly load factor record," stated WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Our forward bookings remain strong and I want to thank the entire WestJet team for their energy and efforts in continuing to deliver a remarkable guest experience."

                     January 2013 traffic results

WestJet continues the winter season with its expanded flight and vacation offerings into the sun destination market. The 2012-2013 winter schedule added non-stop service to Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica, from Toronto, as well as non-stop service to Manzanillo, Mexico from Calgary. "We strive to offer our guests the best selection of popular vacation destinations, while delivering great value and excellent service," said Bob Cummings, Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience.

WestJet will report its 2012 fourth quarter and year-end results on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Following the release of these results, WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts' conference call at 9 a.m. MST (11 a.m. EST). WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky and Executive Vice-President of Finance and CFO Vito Culmone will discuss the airline's 2012 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 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.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding the demand environment 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, regulatory and competitive environment and general economic conditions. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form 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.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of 101 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft with future confirmed deliveries for an additional 34 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft through 2018 and plans to launch a low-cost regional airline in 2013, 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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