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Global Reporting Initiative continues to provide solid framework

CALGARY, Dec. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet today released its 2012 corporate social responsibility report using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework to outline economic, environmental and social performance.

"WestJet remains committed to promoting sustainable growth and maintaining an active presence in the communities we serve," said Mike McNaney, WestJet Vice-President, Environment, Fuel and Government Relations. "The year 2012 was one of unprecedented growth driven by the biggest contributing factor to our continued success--our people. It was our people that drove the decision to launch a regional airline, WestJet Encore, which furthers our mission to enrich the lives of our guests.  No matter how far our reach extends, we remain focused on our unique corporate culture, and a corporate sustainability report allows us to effectively measure our efforts."

Information contained in this report covers the period of January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 unless otherwise stated. The GRI provides WestJet with key performance indicators by which the company can measure corporate social responsibility (CSR). This year's report addresses indicators compatible with GRI's application level C. Application Level C is intended for entry-level reporting organizations that have reported fully on at least 10 performance indicators.

WestJet's GRI report was reviewed with supplemental select indicators assured by Deloitte LLP, granting the report a C+ level, thereby demonstrating our commitment to transparency and demonstrating a leading practice in our industry.

WestJet's GRI report is found at http://www.westjet.com/pdf/responsible-growth-en.pdf

The Global Reporting Initiative is an independent global organization that works with the United Nations Environment Program to make sustainability reporting standard practice. GRI produces a comprehensive sustainability reporting framework that is widely used around the world to promote greater organizational transparency. The framework sets out the principles and indicators organizations can use to measure and report their economic, environmental and social performance. GRI is committed to continuously improving and increasing the use of the guidelines, which are freely available to the public. For more information, please visit globalreporting.org.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 88 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. 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 9,600 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. This year, WestJet launched its new regional airline, WestJet Encore.

About WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel experiences to 55 destinations in 18 countries, including the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet's fun and friendly image, extensive network and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations offers guests a great flight schedule and a wide variety of hotel and resort options to create fun and affordable vacation experiences.  For more information visit www.westjetvacations.com.

About WestJet Rewards
WestJet Rewards members earn WestJet dollars on WestJet flights, vacation packages and more. WestJet dollars can be used like cash towards the purchase of WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages on any date to any WestJet or WestJet Encore destination with no blackout periods, even on seat sales. More flights equal more benefits, including bonus WestJet dollars and Jet-Aways. Guests who use their WestJet RBC MasterCard will earn WestJet dollars even faster.

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SOURCE WestJet