WestJet reports highest load factor in 16-year history

Airline flies nearly 172,000 additional guests year over year

CALGARY, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced August 2012 traffic results with an all-time record load factor of 88.9 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 9.2 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 2.3 per cent over the same period. The airline flew nearly 172,000 more guests this August compared to August of last year.

"We are extremely pleased to report the highest single-month load factor in WestJet history and I thank our caring WestJetters for their added energy in this record-breaking month," commented WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "The demand environment remains strong and we are seeing a growing contribution from our airline code-shares and interline partnerships."

August 2012 traffic results

WestJet continues to grow its airline partnerships and currently has 27 alliance relationships with airlines around the globe. These partnerships bring additional guest traffic to the airline and have also made it easier for WestJet guests to reach an expanded network. Guests can make bookings directly via WestJet to an additional 48 destinations in the U.S. and Caribbean that are serviced by its code-share partners.

Another great Caribbean destination, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago was recently added to the list of new destinations that WestJet plans to serve as part of its 2012/2013 winter schedule. It joins the other four recent additions of Antigua and Barbuda, Liberia, Costa Rica, Curacao and Manzanillo, Mexico that will launch service this winter season.

WestJet Vacations was recently rated highest in guest satisfaction and loyalty among the most used tour operators in Canada. "We launched WestJet Vacations in 2006 and have been successful in extending our signature fun and friendly guest experience to the packaged-vacation market," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. "I thank our travel agent partners and our guests who continue to make us their provider of choice."

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding the demand environment and WestJet's winter schedule, 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 most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 8,600 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of 99 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft with future confirmed deliveries for an additional 36 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft through 2018 and plans to launch a low-cost regional airline in 2013, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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SOURCE WestJet