WestJet reports July load factor of 83.1 per cent

Airline archives second-highest July load factor, flies over 103,000 additional guests year over year

CALGARY, Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced July 2013 traffic results with a load factor of 83.1 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.3 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 11.1 per cent over the same period. The airline flew nearly 1.7 million guests in July, a year-over-year increase of 6.5 per cent or approximately 103,000 additional guests.

"We are very pleased with the continued strong year-over-year traffic growth that saw us achieve our second-highest July load factor and set a new single-day record as we welcomed more than 60,000 guests on July 31," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "I want to thank each and every WestJetter for their hard work in providing our guests with a remarkable experience during the busy summer season."

July 2013 traffic results

In July, WestJet announced its 2013-2014 winter schedule which includes new non-stop service between Calgary and Miami, and new non-stop flights between Winnipeg and Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Regina and between Vancouver and Kamloops, B.C. WestJet will also move from seasonal to year-round service between Toronto and Fort McMurray, Alberta, and between Toronto and Deer Lake, Newfoundland. Finally, beginning November 25, 2013 more Canadians will benefit from WestJet's affordable fares and access to its growing network when new non-stop service between Vancouver and Terrace, B.C. is inaugurated.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding our 2013-2014 winter schedule and our expectation that service to Terrace, British Columbia will begin on November 25, 2013 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 forecast and 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 87 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,600 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world. This year, WestJet launched its new regional airline, WestJet Encore.

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SOURCE WestJet