WestJet reports record May traffic

Airline flies an additional 100,000 guests year over year and reports 7.2 per cent increase in traffic

CALGARY, June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced May traffic results with a load factor of 79.2 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.2 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 1.3 per cent over the same period. The airline flew more than 100,000 additional guests this month compared to May of 2011.

"We are very pleased with this month's load factor and forward bookings are showing continued strength as we head into the busy summer flying season," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

WestJet recently implemented Korean Air as its sixth code-share partner and has launched seven new interline arrangements thus far in 2012, bringing a total of 24 alliance relationships to connect its guests throughout the world. "As we add airline partners and continue to grow our fleet, we're welcoming new guests to WestJet every day," commented Gregg Saretsky. "I thank WestJetters for their continued commitment to creating a remarkable experience and for showing our guests that we are not just another airline."

In May, WestJet inaugurated new daily service to Chicago's O'Hare airport from Calgary and Vancouver and yesterday marked the start of service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and New York's LaGuardia airport, both significant milestones in WestJet's strategy to expand service to key business markets in North America.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

Certain information set forth in this news 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, 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 preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 76-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 and leather seats on its modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 37 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet

Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet

SOURCE WestJet

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED