WestJet reports record July load factor of 85.3 per cent

CALGARY, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced July 2012 traffic results with a record load factor of 85.3 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 6.6 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew two per cent over the same period. The airline flew nearly 126,000 more guests this July compared to July of last year.

“Demand remains strong and momentum continues at WestJet with another record load factor and strong year-over-year traffic growth,” commented WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “I thank WestJetters for their contributions to the ongoing success of our airline and for their tremendous efforts throughout this peak summer travel season.”

In July, WestJet released its winter 2012-2013 flight schedule which included four new sun destinations. The new Caribbean destinations are Antigua and Barbuda and Curacao, both from Toronto Pearson International Airport. The airline’s newest Mexican destination is Manzanillo, via Calgary International Airport. WestJet also announced its first destination in Central America, offering twice weekly service to Liberia, Costa Rica*. WestJet Vacations offers flexible and great-value vacation packages with its popular price guarantee that includes these new sun destinations, Hawaii and most of WestJet’s southern destinations.

The airline also announced that it has leased two Boeing 757-200 aircraft from Thomas Cook Airlines to deliver more non-stop, daytime service between Calgary and Honolulu, Calgary and Maui, and flights from Edmonton to Maui. This service is scheduled to begin December 13, 2012, and continue through April 21, 2013. The decision to lease a second aircraft allows WestJet to offer each route one additional round-trip flight per week over last year, providing guests more opportunities for direct service between Alberta and Hawaii.