WestJet reports record June traffic

Airline flew 9 million guests in the first half of the year, up 6 per cent

CALGARY, July 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced June 2013 traffic results with a load factor of 76.8 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.3 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), was 11.3 per cent higher over the same period. In the first half of 2013, the airline achieved a load factor of 81.9 per cent and flew nearly 9.0 million guests, a year-over-year increase of 5.7 per cent or approximately 489,000 additional guests.

"We continue to be pleased with our strong year-over-year traffic growth, notwithstanding reservation cancellations and weakness in advance bookings in Southern Alberta since the June 21^st flood," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "As we transition into our busy summer season, I want to thank WestJetters for their commitment to providing a remarkable experience for our growing number of guests. I would also like to extend my thanks to all WestJetters who have been demonstrating our caring values in contributing to the clean-up of Calgary and the surrounding communities following the devastating floods."

June 2013 traffic results

WestJet Encore was up and running in June, as the new regional airline capped off a busy month that included the delivery of its first two new Bombardier NextGen Q400 aircraft, the receipt of its air operator certificate from Transport Canada, and its inaugural flights on June 24^th to Fort St. John, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Victoria, British Columbia and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. WestJet Encore will provide more Canadians with access to WestJet's low fares and caring guest experience as the new airline continues to expand in the third quarter of 2013 and beyond.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding continued traffic growth and the expansion of WestJet Encore 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 more than 85 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 9,500 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.

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SOURCE WestJet