WestJet reports October load factor of 77.4 per cent

Airline grows 13.4 per cent; starts fourth quarter with strong traffic increase

CALGARY, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced October 2010 traffic results with a load factor of 77.4 per cent, up 0.1 points year over year. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 13.4 per cent year over year. Capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 13.3 per cent over the same period. More than 99,000 additional guests flew with WestJet in the month of October.

"We have continued with our strategic growth and are pleased with October's load factor given the additional capacity we've added to our network. The increase in guests demonstrates that our increased capacity is being absorbed. Advanced bookings are looking positive as well," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "Last month, WestJet gave a caring and friendly welcome to our first Cathay Pacific code-share guest on a flight from Winnipeg to Bangkok. We're pleased to now leverage the functionality of our reservation system with this code-share agreement and others to come."

The airline set a new single-day record with 49,545 guests travelling on board flights in WestJet's network leading into the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. "Guests want to fly with WestJet because they feel connected to our WestJetters who are so passionate about providing an exceptional experience. Thanks to each and every one of them for their vibrant spirits and important contributions to our success," concluded Gregg Saretsky.

    
                         October 2010 traffic results

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                              October 2010        October 2009        Change
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    Load factor                   77.4%               77.3%          0.1 pts.
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    ASMs (billions)               1.601               1.413            13.3%
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    RPMs (billions)               1.239               1.093            13.4%
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                            Year-to-date 2010   Year-to-date 2009     Change
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    Load factor                   80.1%               78.6%          1.5 pts.
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    ASMs (billions)              16.115              14.588            10.5%
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    RPMs (billions)              12.911              11.466            12.6%
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

In November, WestJet will launch seasonal, non-stop service to New Orleans, Santa Clara (Cuba) and Grand Cayman Island, all from Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding WestJet's network expansion, growth plans, code-share arrangements and corporate vision, 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, competitive environment and general economic conditions. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available through the Internet on WestJet's SEDAR profile 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 preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-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, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 90 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 45 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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For further information: WestJet Media Relations, 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), Email: [email protected]; WestJet Investor Relations, 1-877-493-7853, Email: [email protected]; Website: www.westjet.com