News Releases

Airline achieves its second-highest ever first quarter load factor

CALGARY, April 3, 2014 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced March 2014 traffic results with a load factor of 84.0 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 3.9 per cent year-over-year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 6.6 per cent over the same period. The airline flew 4.8 million guests in the first quarter, a year-over-year increase of 7.0 per cent or approximately 300,000 additional guests.

"We are pleased with the strong traffic growth we saw in the first quarter as we not only flew over 300,000 additional guests compared to last year, we also achieved our second-highest first quarter load factor in WestJet's history," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "My thanks go out to all WestJetters for their continued energy and efforts in delivering our brand of friendly caring service to our guests."

March 2014 traffic results

In March 2014, WestJet announced it had converted five of its 25 options to firm orders for Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2015.  With the conversion of these options, WestJet will have a fleet of 25 Q400s by the end of 2015.  These aircraft will serve new markets, increase frequencies between existing cities, and strengthen WestJet's network by creating new connections between existing markets and optimizing capacity by time-of-day.

About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers.  We offer scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries.  Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more.  Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods -- even on seat sales.  For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes:

2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2013 Gold Stevie Award Best Transportation Company (American Business Awards)
2013 Chairman's Circle Award: WestJet Vacations (CPSC)
2013 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Leger Marketing)
2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine)

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Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding the expected timing and benefits of the Q400 aircraft deliveries 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 network 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.

SOURCE WestJet