News Releases
Airline's revenue passenger miles increase 17.9 per cent to 1.1 billion
CALGARY, July 8 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today announced June traffic
results with a 76.5 per cent load factor, an improvement in revenue passenger
miles of 17.9 per cent, and a capacity increase, measured in available seat
miles, of 23.1 per cent. This capacity increase is the largest percentage
increase for the airline since November 2006. The airline flew over 86,500
more guests in the month, an eight per cent increase over the 1.1 million
flown in June 2007.
"In the first six months of the year, we took delivery of five of our
seven aircraft slated for 2008," said Sean Durfy, WestJet President and CEO.
"This represented a significant upfront investment in capacity that will bear
fruit for us in the remainder of 2008 and beyond."
"Despite huge challenges in the airline industry, due to unprecedented
and unrelenting fuel prices and an overall environment of economic
uncertainty, WestJet continues to lead in terms of growth and demand for our
service," Sean Durfy continued. "At a time when other airlines are cutting
capacity, our cost structure and considerable growth opportunities are
enabling us to proceed with our strategic plan. I remain confident in the
continuing demand for our exceptional guest experience and growing network in
Canada, the United States and internationally.
"Our low-cost structure and high-value pricing approach gives us a
significant advantage when dealing with the soaring cost of jet fuel. Most
importantly, our WestJetters are truly the reason we are succeeding during
this challenging period."
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June 2008 Traffic Results
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June 2008 June 2007 Change
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Load Factor 76.5% 79.9% (3.4 pts.)
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Available Seat Miles (ASM) 1.448 billion 1.176 billion 23.1%
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Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) 1.108 billion 0.940 billion 17.9%
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Q2 2008 Q2 2007 Change
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Load Factor 79.5% 80.9% (1.4 pts.)
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Available Seat Miles (ASM) 4.235 billion 3.488 billion 21.4%
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Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) 3.366 billion 2.822 billion 19.3%
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Year-to-date 2008 Year-to-date 2007 Change
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Load Factor 80.7% 81.0% (0.3 pts.)
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Available Seat Miles (ASM) 8.300 billion 6.938 billion 19.6%
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Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) 6.697 billion 5.620 billion 19.2%
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>>
"With our significant capacity growth, we are pleased with our RASM
numbers that are comparable year-over-year for both June and the quarter,"
commented Sean Durfy.
This disclosure may contain forward-looking statements and are subject
to, and may be affected by, numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which
are beyond WestJet's control. WestJet's results may differ materially from
those expressed in or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or
contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to: changes in
government policy, exchange rates, interest rates, disruption of supplies,
volatility of fuel prices, terrorism, general economic conditions, the
competitive environment and other factors described in WestJet's public
reports and filings. Forward-looking statements are subject to change and
WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking
information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering
scheduled service throughout its 49-city North American and Caribbean network.
Named Canada's most admired corporate culture in 2005, 2006 and 2007, WestJet
pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom and
leather seats on its modern fleet of 75 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft
and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu. With future confirmed
deliveries for an additional 46 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013,
WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.