News Releases

Airline flies 94,000 more guests this March compared to last

CALGARY, April 6 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced March traffic results with a load factor of 83.8 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) increased 10.0 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 7.4 per cent over the same period. The airline flew an additional 94,000 guests in March 2010 compared to March 2009.

"I am pleased with our March results," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Our strong load factor and traffic growth indicate that WestJet's increased capacity, including the capacity that was previously operated through a significant charter agreement that was in place in the first quarter of 2009, is being profitably absorbed by the market. During the quarter, all of our additional ASMs were deployed into southern markets and benefited from WestJet's strong brand and strengthening sales channels. We continue to draw from our entire route network to fill our south-bound aircraft with a healthy mix of WestJet and WestJet Vacations guests."

"It is very apparent that the success of WestJet is tied to our unique and winning culture," added Gregg Saretsky. "The commitment and caring attitude that WestJetters exude day in and day out gives me great confidence in our business plan."

    <<
                         March 2010 traffic results

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                                              March       March
                                               2010        2009      Change
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    Load factor                               83.8%       81.9%     1.9 pts.
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    ASMs (billions)                           1.634       1.521         7.4%
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    RPMs (billions)                           1.370       1.246        10.0%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              First       First
                                            quarter     quarter
                                               2010        2009      Change
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Load factor                               81.7%       80.4%     1.3 pts.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASMs (billions)                           4.700       4.357         7.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)                           3.840       3.502         9.7%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    >>

"While our March and first quarter traffic results are encouraging and we see some recent strengthening in yields, we continue to anticipate a decline in year-over-year revenue per available seat mile of zero to three per cent for the first quarter of 2010," said Gregg Saretsky.

"We are very excited to have launched our Frequent Guest and WestJet RBC MasterCard credit card programs in March, and we believe these reward programs will attract additional guests," commented Gregg Saretsky. "Initial interest, sign ups and feedback have exceeded expectations. We plan to build on the momentum with significant marketing for our credit card throughout the month of April."

This disclosure contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding anticipated RASM for the first quarter of 2010. 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, failure to successfully implement and/or remedy challenges regarding critical systems, 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 69-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into the corporate culture hall of fame after being 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 88 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 47 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.