News Releases
Airline produces record load factor with capacity growth of 19.6 per cent
CALGARY, April 3 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today announced March traffic
results with a record load factor of 86.6 per cent. This was accompanied by a
capacity increase of 19.6 per cent, measured in available seat miles, and an
improvement in revenue passenger miles of 21.7 per cent.
WestJet President and CEO, Sean Durfy commented, "Our March load factor
of 86.6 per cent marks 15 consecutive months of record load factor and caps a
strong first quarter. We can attribute this record load factor to our seasonal
capacity deployment strategy, Easter weekend taking place in March and the
continued success of our exceptional guest experience delivered by our people.
"WestJetters are truly what create our reputation and, in turn, our great
results. The effort, dedication and care of WestJetters allowed us to deliver
a world-class guest experience while dealing with high guest volume and harsh
winter conditions in Eastern Canada."
<<
March 2008 Traffic Results
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 2008 March 2007 Per cent change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load Factor 86.6% 85.2% 1.4 pts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available Seat
Miles (ASM) 1.431 billion 1.196 billion 19.6%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue Passenger
Miles (RPM) 1.239 billion 1.018 billion 21.7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Quarter 2008 First Quarter 2007 Per cent change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load Factor 81.9% 81.1% 0.8 pts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available Seat
Miles (ASM) 4.065 billion 3.449 billion 17.9%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue Passenger
Miles (RPM) 3.331 billion 2.797 billion 19.1%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
"Revenue per available seat mile (RASM) for March showed significant
year-over-year improvement," commented Sean Durfy. "Early bookings, into our
newest destinations, Quebec City and New York, via Newark, are strong. The
strength of our brand is enabling us to grow into new markets and routes very
effectively."
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-fare airline offering
scheduled service throughout its 47-city North American and Caribbean network.
Named Canada's most admired corporate culture in 2005, 2006 and 2007 WestJet
pioneered high-value low-cost flying in Canada. With increased legroom and
leather seats on its modern fleet of 73 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft,
and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu, WestJet strives to be
the number one choice for travellers.