News Releases

Airline sets new record for guests carried

CALGARY, March 5, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced February traffic results with a load factor of 82.7 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 9.9 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 10.9 per cent over the same period.

"We celebrated WestJet's 16^th birthday this February, flew a record number of guests for the month and also set a new single-day record for guests flown," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "We are pleased with our strong February load factor, given the capacity increases, and our forward bookings are healthy. I want to thank all WestJetters for their dedication to delivering a remarkable guest experience as we continue to welcome more and more guests on board."

February 2012 traffic results

WestJet recently announced it will begin flying its own aircraft on daily non-stop service between Chicago and Vancouver and between Chicago and Calgary, effective May 14, 2012. These new routes complement the existing non-stop service marketed by WestJet from Chicago to Toronto, Chicago to Ottawa, and Chicago to Montreal on its partner American Airlines' code-share flights.

In February, WestJet changed the name of its Frequent Guest Program to WestJet Rewards to reflect the mass appeal of the recently re-designed rewards program. Members can earn WestJet dollars for every WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations package purchase, and through the WestJet RBC MasterCard. WestJet dollars can also be earned through the airline's code-share flights with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding forward bookings, 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 WestJet's existing strategy and currently available implementation plans, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in guest demand, regulatory and 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 under WestJet's profile on SEDAR 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 favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 76-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. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 37 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet
Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet