CALGARY, Feb. 4, 2016 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced January 2016 traffic results with a load factor of 80.1 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.8 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 7.0 per cent over the same period. The airline flew a record 1.7 million guests in January, a year-over-year increase of 7.4 per cent or approximately 119,000 additional guests.

“We are pleased with our strong January traffic growth to start off 2016,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “I want to thank our more than 11,000 WestJetters for their ongoing commitment to delivering our brand of caring friendly service.”

In January, WestJet announced its 2016 summer schedule, including additions to its Toronto hub and enhanced schedules for business travellers. WestJet’s 2016 summer schedule includes new non-stop service from Toronto to Nashville and Los Angeles as well as Calgary to Thunder Bay. Other additions to WestJet’s Toronto hub include increased service to Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Myrtle Beach. Routes with enhanced schedules for business travellers include Toronto to Ottawa, Montreal and Fredericton as well as between Ottawa and Halifax.