WestJet reports July load factor of 82.8 per cent

Airline increases traffic by 5.0 per cent year over year and sets a new single-day record flying more than 72,000 guests

CALGARY, Aug. 6, 2015 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced July 2015 traffic results with a load factor of 82.8 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 5.0 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 5.6 per cent over the same period. The airline flew a record 1.9 million guests in July, a year-over-year increase of 6.5 per cent or more than 117,000 additional guests, and achieved an on-time performance rate of 83.8 per cent in the month, an improvement of 2.3 percentage points year over year.

“We are pleased with our strong year over year traffic growth as we set a new single-day record, flying 72,240 guests on Friday, July 31,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “I want to thank our more than 10,000 WestJetters for their commitment to on-time performance and providing a remarkable guest experience through the peak summer travel season.”

July 2015 traffic results

	July 2015	July 2014	Change
Load factor	82.8%	83.3%	(0.5 pts)
ASMs (billions)	2.374	2.249	5.6%
RPMs (billions)	1.966	1.873	5.0%
	Year-to-date 2015	Year-to-date 2014	Change
Load factor	80.3%	81.7%	(1.4 pts)
ASMs (billions)	15.847	14.957	6.0%
RPMs (billions)	12.731	12.220	4.2%

 

In July, WestJet began rolling out WestJet Connect, its new inflight entertainment system featuring wireless internet connectivity and more than 450 movies and television programs. Guests can access WestJet Connect using their laptops, or via the WestJet app on iOS or Android devices. Seats on WestJet Connect-equipped aircraft have 110-volt and/or USB power outlets, allowing all guests the opportunity to charge or power their devices. The system will be activated on all of WestJet’s Boeing 767ER aircraft and more than 30 per cent of WestJet’s Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft by end of 2015, with installations across the 737 fleet expected to be completed in early 2017.

Also in July, WestJet Encore launched new service to Halifax, and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Deer Lake, Gander and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Moncton, New Brunswick. This new service is representative of WestJet’s continuing commitment to expanding WestJet service to smaller-sized cities from coast to coast, offering Canadians lower airfares, more choice and greater connectivity to the airline’s broader network.

Caution regarding forward-looking information?Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding the expected timing of WestJet Connect installations is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, including those risk factors described in WestJet’s public reports and filings which are available under WestJet’s profile at www.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.

 

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