Airline flies an additional 100,000 guests year over year and reports
7.2 per cent increase in traffic
CALGARY, June 5, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced May traffic
results with a load factor of 79.2 per cent. Revenue passenger miles
(RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.2 per cent year over year, and
capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 1.3 per cent
over the same period. The airline flew more than 100,000 additional
guests this month compared to May of 2011.
"We are very pleased with this month's load factor and forward bookings
are showing continued strength as we head into the busy summer flying
season," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.
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May 2012 traffic results
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May 2012
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May 2011
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Change
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Load factor
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79.2%
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74.8%
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4.4 pts.
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ASMs (billions)
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1.765
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1.742
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1.3%
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RPMs (billions)
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1.398
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1.304
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7.2%
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Year-to-date 2012
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Year-to-date 2011
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Change
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Load factor
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82.9%
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80.9%
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2.0 pts.
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ASMs (billions)
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9.329
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8.758
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6.5%
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RPMs (billions)
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7.734
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7.087
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9.1%
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WestJet recently implemented Korean Air as its sixth code-share partner
and has launched seven new interline arrangements thus far in 2012,
bringing a total of 24 alliance relationships to connect its guests
throughout the world. "As we add airline partners and continue to grow
our fleet, we're welcoming new guests to WestJet every day," commented
Gregg Saretsky. "I thank WestJetters for their continued commitment to
creating a remarkable experience and for showing our guests that we are
not just another airline."
In May, WestJet inaugurated new daily service to Chicago's O'Hare
airport from Calgary and Vancouver and yesterday marked the start of
service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and New York's
LaGuardia airport, both significant milestones in WestJet's strategy to
expand service to key business markets in North America.
Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including
information regarding 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.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service
throughout its 76-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. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet
offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 98
Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries
for an additional 37 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one
of the five most successful international airlines in the world.
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