News Releases

Airline flies more than 120,000 additional guests this April compared to last

CALGARY, May 3, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced April traffic results with a record load factor of 86.2 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.2 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew five per cent over the same period. The airline flew 1.48 million guests this month; more than 120,000 additional guests than April of last year.

"We are very happy with this new record load factor for April, which is 2.2 points above the previous high of 84 per cent in April 2010. The demand environment remains strong and we are optimistic that this positive momentum will continue throughout 2012," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

April 2012 traffic results

The airline set a new single-day record on April 5, 2012, as it flew more than 54,000 guests across the WestJet network leading up to the Easter weekend. "WestJetters do an amazing job of taking care of our growing number of guests and safely getting them to their destinations. I thank them for their passion, teamwork and the shared commitment to WestJet's continued success," commented Gregg Saretsky.

The end of April marks the transition to WestJet's summer schedule. New destinations include Kingston, Jamaica, which launched on April 30, 2012, and service to Aruba, Chicago and Whitehorse will all start in May. WestJet's business-friendly schedule to New York's LaGuardia airport will start on June 4, 2012, with seven daily non-stop flights each business day between Toronto and New York City, increasing to eight daily flights in July.

WestJet recently launched a new website dedicated to its cargo services, westjetcargo.com. The bilingual site allows guests to book, trace and track cargo shipments individually in real time. The site's new features also include the ability to access the most up-to-date shipping guidelines, request waybills and make claims online. WestJet Cargo currently serves 21 domestic stations with plans to expand into the U.S. and Mexico in the near future.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding the demand environment and cargo expansion, 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 (AIF) 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 preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 76-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. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 37 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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