WestJet reports record September load factor of 80.4 per cent

Airline achieves its highest quarterly load factor in its 21-year history

CALGARY, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced September 2017 traffic results with a load factor of 80.4 per cent an increase of 0.5 percentage points year over year. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 5.9 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 5.3 per cent over the same period. In the third quarter of 2017, the airline flew an all-time record high of 6.5 million guests, a year-over-year increase of 10.7 per cent or approximately 630,000 additional guests.

"We are very pleased with our strong traffic growth, as we reported record load factors each month this quarter, which translated into achieving both our highest ever quarterly load factor of 85.7 per cent, and flying an all-time quarterly record number of guests in our 21-year history," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "I want to sincerely thank our over 13,000 WestJetters for continuing to deliver our award-winning brand of friendly caring service as we transition through our shoulder period into the busy winter season."

September 2017 traffic results

In September, WestJet broke ground on its new $50 million hangar project at YYC Calgary International Airport that will support the airline's ongoing fleet expansion and growth of its Calgary hub. The hangar, once complete, will occupy 125,000 square feet, accommodate its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and stand eight stories tall.

Also in September, WestJet announced the name and logo for its ultra-low-cost airline (ULCC) in Canada. Named Swoop, the ULCC will begin selling flights in early 2018. Swoop will provide Canadians with a no-frills, lower-fare travel option backed by an airline with a proven track record of bringing lower fares to Canadians and an investment-grade credit rating. Sign up at FlySwoop.com to receive details on Swoop's job opportunities, launch plans and to learn more about Canada's newest airline.

About WestJet
WestJet is proud to be named Best Airline in Canada and one of the best Low Cost Airlines in North America, based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on Trip Advisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook. Together with our regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships. WestJet Vacations offers affordable, flexible vacations to more than 60 destinations and the choice of more than 800 hotels, resorts, condos and villas.  Members of the WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of flights and vacations packages to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods, and have access to Member Exclusive fares offering deals to WestJet destinations throughout our network and those of our partner airlines.

WestJet is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol WJA. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

Recent recognition includes:
2017 Five-Star Airline in the Low-Cost Category (The Airline Passenger Experience Association)
2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
2017 Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice Winner Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2016 Canada's most reputable company for Corporate Social Responsibility (Reputation Institute)
2016/2015/2014/2013/2012 Ranked top three for Canadian Brands (Canadian Business Magazine)
2016/2015/2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (MoneySense magazine)
2015/2011/2010/2008/2007/2006/2005 Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture (Waterstone Human Capital)
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)

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SOURCE WestJet