News Releases

Airline flies 1.5 million guests in the month, up 7.9 per cent

CALGARY, June 5, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced May 2013 traffic results with a load factor of 78.5 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.2 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), was 9.1 per cent higher over the same period. The airline flew 1.5 million guests in May, a year-over-year increase of 7.9 per cent or approximately 110,000 additional guests.

"We are pleased with the strong year-over-year traffic growth as more and more guests are choosing to fly with us," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "I want to thank WestJetters for continuing to provide our guests with the caring service that makes us Canada's most-preferred airline and most attractive employer."

May 2013 traffic results

On May 13^th, WestJet announced the third new community that will be serviced by WestJet Encore. On September 3, 2013, WestJet will begin daily service from Calgary to Brandon, Manitoba. "The excitement is building as we draw closer to WestJet Encore's inaugural flights beginning on June 24, 2013 with service to its first two new communities, Nanaimo and Fort St. John, BC," said Ferio Pugliese, Executive Vice President and President, WestJet Encore.

In May, WestJet was honoured to receive several awards highlighting its caring culture and the great guest experience it delivers. A Leger Marketing study once again rated WestJet Canada's most-preferred airline as well as the most trusted airline, and the airline that offers the best customer service. The airline ranked second in overall reputation in the Reputation Institute/Canadian Business 2013 Most Reputable Companies in Canada survey, and Randstad Canada named WestJet Canada's most attractive employer for the second year in a row.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding the launch of WestJet Encore and the communities it will serve 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 forecast 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 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 most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 86 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, 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

SOURCE: WestJet