News Releases
August load factor of 88 per cent on capacity increase of 15 per cent
CALGARY, Sept. 6 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today announced an all-time
high with its August load factor of 88.0 per cent, up 3.5 percentage points
from August 2006. Capacity increased 15 per cent in the month to 1,294 million
ASMs (available seat miles). RPMs (revenue passenger miles) grew to
1,139 million, an increase of 20 per cent versus August last year.
"WestJet is delivering these results through our continued schedule
improvements and the exceptional guest experience provided by our
WestJetters," commented WestJet President and CEO Sean Durfy. "We anticipate
this positive trend to continue as we take delivery of two more aircraft
before the end of the year, bringing our fleet size to 70."
"I would like to commend the spirit and dedication of our WestJetters
during the busy summer months; they are responsible for our results as well as
our great reputation. I am proud of their continued commitment to our guest
satisfaction and, in turn, our shareholder value."
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August 2007 Traffic Results
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Per cent
August 2007 August 2006 change
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Load Factor 88.0% 84.5% 3.5 pts.
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Available Seat Miles
(ASM) 1,294.2 million 1,126.9 million 15%
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Revenue Passenger Miles
(RPM) 1,138.7 million 951.7 million 20%
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Per cent
Year-to-date 2007 Year-to-date 2006 change
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Load Factor 82.2% 79.7% 2.5 pts.
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Available Seat Miles
(ASM) 9,502.1 million 8,123.4 million 17%
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Revenue Passenger Miles
(RPM) 7,808.0 million 6,472.2 million 21%
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>>
Sean Durfy continued, "Our RASM (revenue per available seat mile)
improved significantly year over year in August. Combined with the highest
load factor in WestJet's 11-year history and strong July RASM, we anticipate a
very healthy third quarter."
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.