WestJet achieves record October load factor of 81.2 per cent

Airline reports its fourth consecutive monthly load factor record

CALGARY, Nov. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced October 2012 traffic results with a record load factor of 81.2 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 5.9 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 0.9 per cent over the same period. WestJet flew 113,000 more guests this October compared to October of last year.

"We are very pleased with the October results which easily outpaced the previous October load factor record of 78.1 per cent set in 2007," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Forward bookings remain healthy and momentum continues at WestJet as this marks the fourth consecutive month in which we have achieved a record load factor."

October 2012 traffic results

	October 2012	October 2011	Change
Load factor	81.2%	77.4%	3.8 pts.
ASMs (billions)	1.724	1.708	0.9%
RPMs (billions)	1.400	1.322	5.9%

	Year-to-date 2012	Year-to-date 2011	Change
Load factor	82.9%	79.8%	3.1 pts.
ASMs (billions)	18.300	17.565	4.2%
RPMs (billions)	15.170	14.019	8.2%

For the second year in a row, WestJet was named among Canada's Top 100 Employers as measured by Mediacorp's annual study of the best workplaces in Canada. Once again, WestJet was the only airline to place in the top 100. "We are very proud of our award-winning culture and I thank WestJetters for making WestJet the fun and vibrant work environment it is," commented Gregg Saretsky.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding the health of 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 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.

Analyst conference call
WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts' conference call on November 7, 2012, at 9 a.m. MT (11 a.m. ET). President and CEO Gregg Saretsky and Executive Vice-President of Finance and CFO Vito Culmone will discuss WestJet's third quarter 2012 results and answer questions from financial analysts and members of the media. The conference call will be available in Toronto by calling 416-915-3239, in Vancouver by calling 604-638-5340 and across Canada and the United States through the toll-free telephone number 1-800-319-4610. The call can also be heard live through an Internet webcast accessible via the Media and Investor Relations section of www.westjet.com.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 8,600 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of 99 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft with future confirmed deliveries for an additional 36 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft through 2018 and plans to launch a low-cost regional airline in 2013, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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SOURCE: WestJet

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