WestJet reports September load factor of 75.5 per cent

Airline flew an additional 49,000 guests this September compared to last

CALGARY, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - WestJet today announced September 2010 traffic results with a load factor of 75.5 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.8 per cent year over year. Capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 11.9 per cent over the same period.

"Overall, we are pleased with both our September and third quarter traffic results. We continue to prudently expand our network, positioning us well for the future. We are also positive about the upward recovery we are experiencing," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

This month's load factor, although down 2.2 points from last year, is above the historical average for the month of September. "Moreover, we flew an additional 49,000 guests for the month while we continued to expand our network with growth of 11.9 per cent," added Gregg Saretsky. In the third quarter, WestJet's load factor was flat year over year on 11. 7 per cent increased capacity growth.

"Our ability to deliver on our growth plans is because of the hard work and support of WestJetters. I thank all 7,900 of them for their care, energy and commitment to our guests and business," said Gregg Saretsky.

WestJet recently received results from the Harris/Decima EquiTrend study that showed WestJet has the highest brand equity of the airlines included in the study. The online survey was conducted in August 2010 and included interviews with over 15,000 Canadians who validated the work WestJetters do to earn such an impressive result.

"Caring WestJetters represent the value in our brand and these results show that Canadians appreciate them for it," said Gregg Saretsky.

                       September 2010 traffic results

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         September    September
                                              2010         2009       Change
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Load factor                              75.5%        77.7%    (2.2 pts.)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)                          1.546        1.381        11.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)                          1.167        1.073         8.8%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Third        Third
                                           quarter      quarter
                                              2010         2009       Change
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Load factor                              79.6%        79.7%    (0.1 pts.)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)                          5.031        4.503        11.7%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)                          4.007        3.587        11.7%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Year-to-     Year-to-
                                         date 2010    date 2009       Change
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Load factor                              80.4%        78.7%     1.7 pts.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)                         14.514       13.175        10.2%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)                         11.671       10.374        12.5%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

WestJet recently implemented a code-share arrangement with Cathay Pacific, its first in a series of code-share arrangements with major international airlines. Under the agreement, Cathay Pacific's "CX" code will be placed on WestJet flights between Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and Winnipeg and the Hong Kong carrier's two Canadian gateways, Toronto and Vancouver. Code-share bookings are available for travel from October 20, 2010.

"This is a major milestone for WestJet in achieving its vision to become one of the five most successful airlines in the world, and it was enabled through our investment in the SabreSonic reservation system and the hard work of WestJetters across the organization," concluded Gregg Saretsky.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding WestJet's network expansion, growth plans, code-share arrangements and corporate vision, 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, competitive environment and general economic conditions. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available through the Internet on WestJet's SEDAR profile 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 preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 90 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 45 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet

Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet

SOURCE WestJet