News Releases
TORONTO and CALGARY, Aug. 5 /CNW/ - WestJet announced today it is teaming up with RBC Royal Bank and MasterCard for the upcoming launch of its new travel rewards credit card. The new co-branded card will allow guests to earn WestJet rewards. More details on this program will be unveiled this fall.
"We are extremely pleased to work with RBC and MasterCard," said Sean Durfy, WestJet President and CEO. "Our continued profitable growth will be strongly complemented by two of Canada's pre-eminent brands. We take enormous pride in working with companies that share our values and respect for corporate culture, and we look forward to a hugely successful relationship with RBC and MasterCard."
The new WestJet credit card, to be issued by RBC with MasterCard, will complement RBC's other travel rewards cards and appeal to North American and Caribbean travellers who want to be rewarded by their preferred airline.
"As a leading travel rewards card provider we want to continue to meet the needs of all Canadian travellers," said Dave McKay, Group Head, Canadian Banking, RBC. "We're thrilled to be chosen by WestJet, giving our clients who prefer to fly primarily with WestJet even more choice."
In keeping with WestJet's flair for innovation, the new rewards card will be the first MasterCard product offered by RBC in Canada. This milestone is also expected to make RBC the first Canadian bank to begin offering both MasterCard and other credit card brands, which will benefit consumers with increased choice and innovation.
"We are proud to extend MasterCard's convenient, secure and innovative payment technologies to RBC and WestJet customers," said Kevin Stanton, President, MasterCard Canada. "Together, MasterCard and its customers have continually leveraged MasterCard's brand, technology, and acceptance strength to deliver high-quality programs to consumers and businesses. The WestJet RBC MasterCard is an example of how MasterCard works with its customers to help Canadians get more from their purchases."
More detailed information about the new WestJet card will be released when the card is launched in the fall of 2009.
Forward-looking statement
Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding WestJet's credit card launch with RBC and MasterCard and the timing for such an implementation, contain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available implementation plans, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, the ability to execute a definitive agreement with RBC, availability of technology and personnel, general economic conditions and other factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available through the Internet on WestJet's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. WestJet does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as is required by law.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 66-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travelers.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name of RBC. We are Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization and one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world as measured by market capitalization. We provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and transaction processing services on a global basis. We employ approximately 80,000 full and part-time employees who serve more than 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 53 other countries. For more information, please visit www.rbc.com.
About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information, go to www.mastercard.com.