WestJet reports September traffic results

CALGARY, Oct. 5, 2011 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced September 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 74.7 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 6.9 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew eight per cent over the same period.

“September traffic fell slightly short of our capacity growth despite increased fare sale activity. Forward bookings, however, remain healthy as we begin to transition to our winter schedule,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “I am proud of the tremendous efforts given by WestJetters throughout the busy summer season and the ongoing teamwork and caring spirit that is always on display.”

WestJet and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) operated their first code-share flight on September 26, 2011. The new code-share agreement between the two airlines allows KLM to market and distribute WestJet-operated flights under KLM flight numbers. This affords guests seamless booking and connections to other great Canadian cities via KLM’s four Canadian gateways of Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

“WestJet has had an interline agreement in place with KLM since 2009 and we are very pleased to have grown that relationship and have KLM as our first European code-share partner,” noted Gregg Saretsky. “Our cultures are well aligned and KLM’s extensive global network and long history of excellence will ensure a lasting and valuable partnership.”

In September, WestJet and RBC extended their promotional campaign, offering guests who sign up for a WestJet RBC World MasterCard or WestJet RBC MasterCard $350 or $100 WestJet dollars respectively. This promotional offer, combined with the card’s value proposition, has been popular.