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Airline is the only Canadian carrier to land a spot in annual top-performing study

CALGARY, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced its selection by Aviation Week as a top 10 international airline. The study ranks airline carriers across the world by their annual revenues, using financial and operational data to rate publicly traded airlines in five different performance categories. WestJet is the only Canadian airline and one of only two North American airlines to appear on this year's list.

"We are elated that our airline is ranked in the top 10 in the world," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "WestJetters across our network strive to provide an exceptional guest experience, and this study is confirmation that our efforts are making a difference. Our organization is fueled by WestJetters who are passionately committed across all financial, operational and guest experience initiatives measured in this survey."

Over the past year, WestJet has grown to include seven code-share and 18 interline agreements, sharing its award-winning guest experience with travellers from all over the world. Canadians from coast to coast have responded to the airline's guest-centric commitment, selecting WestJet as their most preferred airline. In May, WestJet announced record first-quarter net earnings of $68.3 million, the airline's 28^th consecutive quarter of profitability.

WestJet's operational performance has steadily improved over the past year, with an average of two per cent improvement monthly in on-time arrivals within 15 minutes of its published timetable. This complements an 11 per cent reduction in flight delay minutes and continuous improvements to already strong baggage-handling performance.

On the horizon, plans continue for the launch of a low-cost regional airline in 2013, where WestJet's commitment to low fares and a remarkable guest experience will be extended to new communities across Canada.

"A common theme across our organization is momentum," concluded Gregg Saretsky. "In addition to the hard work of our WestJetters, our financial position and operational strengths provide us with the opportunity to continue to grow our airline in a sustained and responsible way while continuing with the foundation our airline was built on: to take care of our people and to take care of our guests."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred 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. WestJet offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 99 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 36 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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