WestJet announces entry into wide-body service

Airline is in advanced stages of sourcing aircraft

CALGARY, July 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) today announced that it is moving forward with plans that would see the airline fly its own wide-body aircraft as early as fall 2015. The airline has received the support of the WestJet Pilot Association and its Board of Directors, and is currently in the advanced stages of sourcing wide-body aircraft.

"This is the natural, next-step evolution for WestJet," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "It's made possible by our low-cost business model, growing network strength, airline partnerships and our award-winning brand driven by the efforts of our more than 10,000 WestJetters from coast to coast."

Initially, WestJet expects to operate four wide-body aircraft with the first deployments on routes between Alberta and Hawaii during the winter season beginning in late 2015. The airline's current winter service between Alberta and Hawaii, via two Boeing 757-200s operated by Thomas Cook, is ending in the spring of 2015. Further announcements regarding WestJet's wide-body schedule for the 2016 summer season will be released at a later date, as the airline looks to expand its operation into overseas markets.

Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding WestJet's plans to fly its own wide-body aircraft; the initial expectation to operate four wide-body aircraft with the first deployments on routes between Alberta and Hawaii during the winter season beginning in late 2015; and the timing of further announcements regarding WestJet's wide-body schedule for the 2016 summer season is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Corporation's control, including those risk factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings which are available under WestJet's profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers. We offer scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods ̶ even on seat sales. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes:
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2013 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)
2013 Gold Stevie Award Best Transportation Company (American Business Awards)
2013 Chairman's Circle Award: WestJet Vacations (CPSC)
2013 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Leger Marketing)
2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine)

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SOURCE WestJet