News Releases
CALGARY, Sept. 3 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced August traffic results with a load factor of 84.5 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPM) decreased 4.7 per cent year over year and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASM), declined 0.4 per cent over the same period.
"In what continues to be a tough environment for airlines, we are pleased with our strong August load factor," said WestJet President and CEO Sean Durfy. "Day to day, we are tackling the challenges of the weakened demand environment. Just as importantly, we remain focused on our big-picture initiatives and building the foundation for continued success. We are confident that improving our aircraft delivery schedule, enhancing our international service - to the benefit of both WestJet and WestJet Vacations - and our other strategic initiatives are paving the way for our long-term profitable growth."
"WestJet's approach to guest service has become an enviable strength for our airline," added Sean Durfy. "During this deep recession, we thank our WestJetters for their follow-through in reducing costs and their commitment to strengthening our culture and, in turn, our brand."
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August 2009 traffic results
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August 2009 August 2008 Change
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Load factor 84.5% 88.4% (3.9 pts.)
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ASMs (billions) 1.571 1.577 (0.4%)
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RPMs (billions) 1.328 1.394 (4.7%)
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Year-to-date 2009 Year-to-date 2008 Change
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Load factor 78.9% 81.6% (2.7 pts.)
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ASMs (billions) 11.795 11.434 3.2%
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RPMs (billions) 9.301 9.333 (0.3%)
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"While we are encouraged by the talk of an economic upturn, and are not seeing further declines in demand, we remain cautious about a recovery," continued Sean Durfy. "WestJet's third quarter revenue per available seat mile (RASM) is tracking to an anticipated decline of 16 to 18 per cent compared to the third quarter of 2008."
This disclosure contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding projected RASM for the third quarter of 2009 and strategic initiatives to facilitate long-term profitable growth. These forward-looking statements are based on WestJet's current assumptions and beliefs. However, these forward-looking statements 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 consumer demand, changes in fuel prices, general economic conditions, the competitive environment and other factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings, which are available on WestJet's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are subject to change, and WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable 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 81 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 54 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.
Website: www.westjet.com