News Releases
CALGARY, Dec. 5 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX:WJA) announced today its traffic
results reporting a record November load factor of 73.4 per cent with
substantial increase in capacity of 27 per cent and revenue passenger miles of
29 per cent. This load factor exceeds the previous November high, of 71.9 per
cent recorded in 2005, by 1.5 points. Year-to-date load factor increased to
78.2 per cent from 74.2 per cent, an increase of 4.0 points.
WestJet's available seat miles (ASMs) for November 2006 increased to
1,063.8 million, up from 840.3 million in November 2005, an increase of 27 per
cent. Year to date, ASMs have increased to 11,376.1 million, up from 9,730.8
million in the same 11-month period in 2005, an increase of 17 per cent.
Sean Durfy, WestJet President commented: "This strong load factor,
especially in light of our largest year-over-year monthly capacity growth in
2006, is indicative of our continued momentum. We have progressively improved
performance over the past five quarters. In particular this month, with 17 per
cent of our scheduled capacity transitioning into the sun destination markets
we are pleased with November's performance.
"WestJet continues to track to similar year-over-year fourth quarter RASM
results, which is impressive taking into consideration our significant
capacity increases this quarter. Looking forward, I am confident we are well
positioned for the first quarter 2007."
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) also increased to 780.4 million, up from
604.2 million in November 2005 a 29 per cent increase. Year to date, RPMs
increased to 8,896.1 million from 7,220.6 million over the same period in
2005, an increase of 23 per cent.
Marking its tenth anniversary this year, WestJet is Canada's leading
low-fare airline offering scheduled service throughout its 35-city North
American and Caribbean network. Named Canada's most admired corporate culture
in 2006, WestJet pioneered low-cost high-value flying in Canada. With
increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of Boeing
Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television provided by Bell
ExpressVu on the majority of its fleet, WestJet strives to be the number one
choice for travellers.