WestJet reports record January load factor of 80.9 per cent

CALGARY, Feb. 5, 2013 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced January 2013 traffic results with a record load factor of 80.9 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.7 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 6.4 per cent over the same period. The airline flew 1.5 million guests in January, a year-over-year increase of 6.4 per cent or approximately 87,500 additional guests.

“Positive momentum continues into 2013 as January marks our seventh consecutive monthly load factor record,” stated WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “Our forward bookings remain strong and I want to thank the entire WestJet team for their energy and efforts in continuing to deliver a remarkable guest experience.”

WestJet continues the winter season with its expanded flight and vacation offerings into the sun destination market. The 2012-2013 winter schedule added non-stop service to Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica, from Toronto, as well as non-stop service to Manzanillo, Mexico from Calgary. “We strive to offer our guests the best selection of popular vacation destinations, while delivering great value and excellent service,” said Bob Cummings, Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience.

WestJet will report its 2012 fourth quarter and year-end results on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Following the release of these results, WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts’ conference call at 9 a.m. MST (11 a.m. EST). WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky and Executive Vice-President of Finance and CFO Vito Culmone will discuss the airline’s 2012 fourth quarter and year-end results and answer questions from financial analysts and 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.