News Releases
Airline continues trend of record load factors and increased capacity
CALGARY, Nov. 6 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today announced a record
October load factor of 78.1 per cent, 3.2 percentage points higher than in
October 2006. This was accompanied by a capacity increase of 15.6 per cent and
growth in RPMs (revenue passenger miles) of 20.5 per cent.
"The commitment of our people to continue to deliver our exceptional
guest experience is evident in today's results," commented Sean Durfy, WestJet
President and CEO. "Our record load factor indicates we continue to attract
new guests and benefit from strong guest loyalty, thanks to our caring and
dedicated people. Our ability to increase capacity year over year and still
fly record numbers of guests supports our research that once someone tries us
they will continue to fly with us. As we enter our fourth quarter, the demand
for our new Caribbean and Mexican destinations is exceeding expectations."
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October 2007 Traffic Results
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October 2007 October 2006 Per cent change
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Load Factor 78.1% 74.9% 3.2 pts.
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Available Seat
Miles (ASM) 1,275.1 million 1,102.7 million 15.6%
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Revenue Passenger
Miles (RPM) 995.4 million 826.3 million 20.5%
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Year-to-date 2007 Year-to-date 2006 Per cent change
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Load Factor 81.4% 78.7% 2.7 pts.
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Available Seat
Miles (ASM) 12,001.2 million 10,312.3 million 16.4%
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Revenue Passenger
Miles (RPM) 9,766.9 million 8,115.8 million 20.3%
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>>
Sean Durfy continued, "We are in a fortunate place in the Canadian
airline industry where the appreciation of the Canadian dollar is helping
offset the rise in fuel prices. Our October results include a year-over-year
improvement in RASM."
WestJet will announce its third quarter results tomorrow.
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.