WestJet reports record July load factor of 85.3 per cent

Airline flies nearly 126,000 additional guests year over year

CALGARY, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced July 2012 traffic results with a record load factor of 85.3 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 6.6 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew two per cent over the same period. The airline flew nearly 126,000 more guests this July compared to July of last year.

"Demand remains strong and momentum continues at WestJet with another record load factor and strong year-over-year traffic growth," commented WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "I thank WestJetters for their contributions to the ongoing success of our airline and for their tremendous efforts throughout this peak summer travel season."

July 2012 traffic results

In July, WestJet released its winter 2012-2013 flight schedule which included four new sun destinations. The new Caribbean destinations are Antigua and Barbuda and Curacao, both from Toronto Pearson International Airport. The airline's newest Mexican destination is Manzanillo, via Calgary International Airport. WestJet also announced its first destination in Central America, offering twice weekly service to Liberia, Costa Rica*. WestJet Vacations offers flexible and great-value vacation packages with its popular price guarantee that includes these new sun destinations, Hawaii and most of WestJet's southern destinations.

The airline also announced that it has leased two Boeing 757-200 aircraft from Thomas Cook Airlines to deliver more non-stop, daytime service between Calgary and Honolulu, Calgary and Maui, and flights from Edmonton to Maui. This service is scheduled to begin December 13, 2012, and continue through April 21, 2013. The decision to lease a second aircraft allows WestJet to offer each route one additional round-trip flight per week over last year, providing guests more opportunities for direct service between Alberta and Hawaii.

*Subject to government approval.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding demand, 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 80 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