WestJet expands agreement with Thomas Cook Canada

Companies enter into exclusive relationship to provide more capacity to sun destinations

CALGARY, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced an expanded and exclusive agreement with Thomas Cook that will see WestJet provide more seat capacity for Thomas Cook's Sunquest vacation product for the 2012-2013 winter season. As an expansion to its successful, two-year, Canada-wide, partnership with Thomas Cook, WestJet will be the only airline providing capacity for Thomas Cook's tour operator arm in the Canadian market.

"We are very pleased to announce this expanded relationship," commented Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "Thomas Cook's decision to fly from the Canadian market with our aircraft speaks to its confidence in what our WestJetters do so well. We look forward to welcoming on board even more Sunquest guests in the near future."

"Known for its quality, reliability and outstanding customer service, WestJet has been a key partner for Sunquest and the wider portfolio of Thomas Cook Canada brands for the last couple of years," said Dean Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Cook North America. "Building upon an already strong and mutually beneficial partnership, this enhanced relationship provides us with the opportunity to expand our product offering by taking advantage of the significant scale of WestJet's fleet and the breadth of their network. It gives us room to grow, the flexibility we were looking for and further opportunity to provide Sunquest customers with exceptional vacation experiences from start to finish."

"Not only will this improve our fleet utilization, it provides further economic justification for WestJet's fleet growth in the coming years," continued Gregg Saretsky. "We have now made the decision to cover a component of the Thomas Cook seat purchase by extending the leases on three aircraft that were due to be returned in early 2013. Together with three new aircraft deliveries in 2012 and five in 2013, our entire fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737s creates a unique opportunity for WestJet to serve the capacity needs of the Thomas Cook Canada business in a cost-effective way."

WestJet's 2012-2013 winter schedule will be announced in late July.

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.

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SOURCE WestJet