WestJet reports October traffic results

CALGARY , Nov. 3, 2011 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced October 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 77.4 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 6.7 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), also grew 6.7 per cent over the same period. WestJet flew 79,000 more guests this October compared to October of last year.

“We reported another strong load factor and achieved a new record for the month of October by carrying over 1.3 million guests,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “Demand kept pace with our capacity additions this month and our forward bookings remain healthy.”

“As we enter into the busy booking period for southern vacations, we believe the relevancy of our rewards programs, not charging for the first checked bag and, most importantly, our friendly service make us the leading choice for Canadians as they select an airline or vacation package provider,” continued Gregg Saretsky. “I would like to thank WestJetters for their caring and outgoing nature which is always evident as they serve our guests and represent our brand.”

Effective November 1, 2011 , WestJet has expanded its rewards programs. Members of the Frequent Guest Program will now start earning rewards with their first WestJet flight flown or WestJet Vacations package purchased as the annual qualifying spend requirement has been eliminated. WestJet RBC MasterCard holders also automatically become members of the Frequent Guest Program so they can earn WestJet dollars through purchases on their card and also by flying with WestJet.

“Since the launch of our rewards programs in the spring of 2010, we have received great feedback from members who appreciate the transparency of our program and the easy to understand approach of the WestJet dollar in terms of valuation and redemption,” said Gregg Saretsky. “We have also had numerous inquiries from less frequent travelers asking if we could find a way to reward them for choosing WestJet. With our expanded rewards programs, all of our guests now have the opportunity to earn reward dollars when they fly with us, starting with their first flight.”