News Releases

Airline flew an additional 65,000 guests this August compared to last

CALGARY, Sept. 7 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced August 2010 traffic results with a load factor of 82.2 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.2 per cent year over year. Capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 11.3 per cent over the same period.

"We continue to direct the majority of our new capacity toward our southern destinations, as we find the demand for leisure travel continues to be robust," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Additionally, our increased focus on the business travel segment, a key part of our growth strategy, has begun generating a positive response from corporate sales.

"Business and leisure travellers are benefiting from the value of our new fare structure as evidenced by the strong traffic growth," continued Gregg Saretsky. "We still expect a positive increase this quarter in year-over-year revenue per available seat mile.

"WestJet's operational performance was solid during this busy time of year, and that's because of the positive spirit and hard work of over 7,800 WestJetters," said Gregg Saretsky. "I thank each WestJetter for showing they care about our business and our guests every day."

    <<
                         August 2010 traffic results

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                            August 2010          August 2009          Change
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    Load factor                82.2%                84.5%           -2.3 pts.
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    ASMs (billions)            1.749                1.571              11.3%
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    RPMs (billions)            1.437                1.328               8.2%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Year-to-date 2010    Year-to-date 2009       Change
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    Load factor                81.0%                78.9%            2.1 pts.
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    ASMs (billions)           12.968               11.795               9.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RPMs (billions)           10.504                9.301              12.9%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    >>

"With more non-stop flights from cities across Canada to a wide range of destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and the U.S., along with the winter brochure released in August, WestJet Vacations is well prepared for the winter travel season," added Gregg Saretsky.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding WestJet's expected RASM increase contains 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, changes in guest demand, competitive environment and general economic conditions. 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 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, 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 90 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 45 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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