WestJet reports October load factor of 80.9 per cent

CALGARY, Nov. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Today WestJet announced October 2018 traffic results with a load factor of 80.9 per cent, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points year over year. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.4 per cent year over year, while capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 8.5 per cent over the same period. WestJet welcomed an additional 86,000 guests in October, a year over year increase of 4.4 per cent. Year to date traffic growth continues to outpace capacity additions.

"Our year over year traffic growth remains strong as we welcomed a record 2.1 million guests into our network in October," Ed Sims, WestJet President & CEO. "As we move into the busy winter season, I want to thank every individual WestJetter for continuing to provide our guests with an award-winning service experience."

October 2018 traffic results

Note: All statistics are at a consolidated WestJet group level

In October, WestJet announced the addition of three new non-stop services. First, from St. John's, Newfoundland to Fort Lauderdale, Florida with service available on a limited basis from March 11, 2019 through May 13, 2019. Second, WestJet will be adding Barcelona, Spain to its growing presence in Europe with non-stop service from Toronto starting May 24, 2019 through October 21, 2019. Finally, WestJet announced it is expanding choice and connectivity for Calgarians with service between Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Hartsfield?Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) next spring. WestJet serves more destinations from Calgary with more flights than any other airline. This new route is another investment in the Calgary airport, city and region.

Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding our new non-stop services is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on WestJet's current forecasts and strategy, the expected demand environment, the utilization of our fleet, the forward-curve for jet fuel price, the expected exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in guest demand, changes in fuel prices, delays in aircraft delivery, general economic conditions, competitive environment, ability to effectively implement and maintain critical systems, receipt of governmental and regulatory approvals, and other factors and risks described in WestJet's public reports and filings which are available under WestJet's profile at sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

About WestJet
Together with WestJet's 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 proud to be recognized as Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice winner ? North America for 2017 and 2018 in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines. The airline was also named the Travellers' Choice Winner ? Economy, North America, 2018. All awards are based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook.
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:
2018 Best Low-Cost Airline in North America (Skytrax)
2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice Winner Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines ? North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 Travellers' Choice Winner ? Economy, North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
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)

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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership