News Releases

Airline increases traffic by 5.0 per cent year over year and sets a new single-day record flying more than 72,000 guests

CALGARY, Aug. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced July 2015 traffic results with a load factor of 82.8 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 5.0 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 5.6 per cent over the same period. The airline flew a record 1.9 million guests in July, a year-over-year increase of 6.5 per cent or more than 117,000 additional guests, and achieved an on-time performance rate of 83.8 per cent in the month, an improvement of 2.3 percentage points year over year.

"We are pleased with our strong year over year traffic growth as we set a new single-day record, flying 72,240 guests on Friday, July 31," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "I want to thank our more than 10,000 WestJetters for their commitment to on-time performance and providing a remarkable guest experience through the peak summer travel season."

July 2015 traffic results

In July, WestJet began rolling out WestJet Connect, its new inflight entertainment system featuring wireless internet connectivity and more than 450 movies and television programs. Guests can access WestJet Connect using their laptops, or via the WestJet app on iOS or Android devices. Seats on WestJet Connect-equipped aircraft have 110-volt and/or USB power outlets, allowing all guests the opportunity to charge or power their devices. The system will be activated on all of WestJet's Boeing 767ER aircraft and more than 30 per cent of WestJet's Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft by end of 2015, with installations across the 737 fleet expected to be completed in early 2017.

Also in July, WestJet Encore launched new service to Halifax, and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Deer Lake, Gander and St. John's, Newfoundland and Moncton, New Brunswick. This new service is representative of WestJet's continuing commitment to expanding WestJet service to smaller-sized cities from coast to coast, offering Canadians lower airfares, more choice and greater connectivity to the airline's broader network.

Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding the expected timing of WestJet Connect installations is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Corporation's control, including those risk factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings which are available under WestJet's profile at www.sedar.com.  Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers. We offer scheduled service to more than 90 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacation packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods  ̶  even on seat sales. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes:
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)
2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)
2014 Brands of the Year (Strategy magazine)
2014 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Ipsos)
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2014/2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine and RewardsCanada.ca)
2014/2013/2012/2011 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)

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SOURCE WestJet