News Releases
CALGARY, Nov. 4 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced October traffic results with a load factor of 77.3 per cent, a year-over-year improvement of 1.5 percentage points. Revenue passenger miles (RPM) increased 0.3 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASM), declined 1.8 per cent over the same period.
"We are encouraged by our year-over-year improvements in October's load factor and RPMs," said WestJet President and CEO Sean Durfy. "I want to thank our WestJetters for their continued hard work in implementing our new reservation system and launching our new destinations this month."
"Recently, we have been seeing more strength in both our business and sun destination bookings," commented Sean Durfy. "Of our 11 new southern destinations, nine have already launched and the remaining two will launch in December. We are pleased with the early bookings for these and all of our sun destinations. This shows the continued strength of our WestJet Vacations business and the value proposition we bring to our guests."
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October 2009 traffic results
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October 2009 October 2008 Change
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Load factor 77.3% 75.8% 1.5 pts.
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ASMs (billions) 1.413 1.439 (1.8%)
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RPMs (billions) 1.093 1.090 0.3%
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Year-to-date 2009 Year-to-date 2008 Change
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Load factor 78.6% 80.4% (1.8 pts.)
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ASMs (billions) 14.588 14.290 2.1%
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RPMs (billions) 11.466 11.492 (0.2%)
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"In the past six to eight weeks, we have seen indications that RASM declines have levelled off, and we are seeing signs of improvement from what we were previously experiencing," commented Sean Durfy. "While it is still too early to predict the strength or speed of a potential recovery, we feel optimistic about the future and the continued success of our airline."
This disclosure contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding its early bookings for its sun destinations and improvement of RASM. 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, possible pandemics 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.