WestJet reports August traffic results

Airline achieves a monthly record for guests flown

CALGARY, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced August 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 83.3 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 6.2 per cent over the same period.

"This August, we flew 1.49 million guests, the highest monthly total in WesJet's history. I thank WestJetters for their dedication to ensuring our guests arrive safely during the busy summer travel season," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "We are pleased with the improved August load factor and forward bookings remain healthy as our capacity increases continue to be absorbed by the market."

"All WestJetters strive to provide a great guest experience and it is this team effort that continues to set us apart," commented Gregg Saretsky. "WestJetters are a caring and reliable group that guests can count on throughout their entire travel experience, starting with the friendly agents in our call centres all the way to the helpful agents at the baggage carousels."

The new 2011-2012 WestJet Vacations brochure was released in August and can be found in aircraft seatback pockets, travel agencies, WestJet destinations across Canada and online at westjetvacations.com. "WestJet Vacations has introduced a vacation price guarantee for the upcoming winter season," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. "We want to give guests who book early peace of mind by guaranteeing the best price for their vacation package, even if prices drop after they book."

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding demand for air travel and advanced 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, 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 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 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 96 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 39 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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SOURCE WestJet