WestJet reports record November load factor of 82.6 per cent

Airline flies nearly 114,000 additional guests year over year

CALGARY, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced November 2012 traffic results with a record load factor of 82.6 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 1.7 per cent over the same period. WestJet flew approximately 114,000 more guests this November compared to November of last year.

"We are very pleased with this month's load factor which exceeds the previous November record set in 2010 by 4.9 percentage points. Our airline partnership strategy and growing number of business travellers are contributing to our positive momentum," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Demand remains strong and I thank WestJetters for ensuring that our guests travel safely throughout the upcoming busy holiday season."

November 2012 traffic results

The WestJet Rewards program continues to grow, and members can now earn WestJet dollars on all hotel bookings and car rentals made through westjet.com. WestJet Rewards members also earn WestJet dollars by flying with WestJet or our partner American Airlines, taking a vacation with WestJet Vacations and making everyday purchases using the WestJet RBC MasterCard. The airline also recently enhanced the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard to include a welcome bonus of $250 WestJet dollars plus an annual $99 round-trip companion flight.

"Our rewards program has no blackouts or restrictions and is transparent to our guests given that we use WestJet dollars as our currency and not points or miles," said Marshall Wilmot, WestJet Vice-President, Product and Distribution. "As we add more partners, we create more opportunities for our guests to earn and redeem WestJet dollars and reward them for their loyalty."

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

Investor Day
WestJet will host an Investor Day in Toronto, Ontario on Thursday, December 6, 2012, where investors and analysts will hear presentations from WestJet's Executive team. Attendance is by invitation only and other interested persons are welcome to listen in via webcast. The presentations start at 8:30 a.m. ET (6:30 a.m. MT) and are scheduled to end at 12:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. MT). A webcast of the day's presentations will be available in the Media and Investor Relations section of westjet.com or at the following link: http://services.choruscall.ca/links/westjet121206.html. Please note that this URL will not be active until the date and time noted above. The webcast will be available for 90 days following the presentation.

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 8,800 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