Airline flies 87,000 more guests this month compared to last March

CALGARY, April 5 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced March traffic results with a load factor of 84.8 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, set a record and also increased 13.3 per cent year over year. Capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 12.1 per cent resulting in a load factor improvement of one point over the same period last year.

"Thus far, we are pleased with the strength of consumer demand and the market's ability to absorb fare increases as we navigate through a period of elevated fuel costs," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

    March 2011 traffic results
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                                        March 2011   March 2010       Change
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    Load factor                               84.8%        83.8%     1.0 pts.
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    ASMs (billions)                          1.831        1.634         12.1%
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    RPMs (billions)                          1.552        1.370         13.3%
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                                             First        First
                                           quarter      quarter
                                              2011         2010       Change
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    Load factor                               82.0%        81.7%     0.3 pts.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)                          5.230        4.700         11.3%
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    RPMs (billions)                          4.290        3.840         11.7%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Traffic has kept pace with significant capacity additions on transborder and international routes. WestJet Vacations is having a strong winter season and continues to support WestJet's scheduled service expansion to southern sun destinations.

"Our flight attendants were recently voted Canada's best in a poll conducted by the online travel website FlightNetwork.com," commented Gregg Saretsky. "It is their high level of caring and friendliness, attributes shared by all WestJetters, that is the foundation to our success."

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding demand for air travel, pricing, vacation travel, and growth plans 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. 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 94 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 41 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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