News Releases
Load factor of 85.2 per cent marks the airline's best March, capping a
record first quarter
CALGARY, April 4 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today announced a March load
factor of 85.2 per cent - a record high for the month. Results for March
include an 18 per cent increase in available seat miles over March last year,
demonstrating the airline's continued ability to add capacity and stimulate
demand. WestJet's year-to-date load factor of 81.1 per cent marks a record
first quarter, a significant achievement in a quarter where capacity increased
19% per cent.
Sean Durfy, WestJet President commented, "These results clearly establish
WestJet as a national airline of choice. The past three months of record load
factor indicate guests are choosing WestJet and that we are well positioned to
successfully continue adding aircraft to our fleet. We have an additional five
deliveries for new 737s confirmed before year-end, bringing our 2007 total to
seven new aircraft.
"Our record first quarter traffic results show that our unique guest
experience delivered by our WestJetters is meaningful for our guests. I would
like to thank our people for their efforts throughout the first quarter."
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March 2007 Traffic Results
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Per cent
March 2007 March 2006 change
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Load Factor 85.2% 81.9% 3.3 pts.
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Available Seat Miles (ASM) 1,195.6 million 1,014.6 million 18%
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Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) 1,018.4 million 831.3 million 23%
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Per cent
Q1 2007 Q1 2006 change
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Load Factor 81.1% 79.4% 1.7 pts.
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Available Seat Miles (ASM) 3,449.0 million 2,897.1 million 19%
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Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) 2,797.2 million 2,300.4 million 22%
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>>
"Similar to January and February, we are pleased with RASM (revenue per
available seat mile) for March, as this key measure continues to track to
expectations," said Sean Durfy. "Our growth, specifically in Eastern Canada,
will continue as we begin service into Kitchener-Waterloo, Saint John and Deer
Lake starting in May."
This discussion 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.