News
Air Canada reports record load factor for August

Sept. 3, 2009, Montreal – For the month of August, Air Canada today reported a record system load factor of 86.8 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz (from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity), versus 84.4 per cent in August 2008, an increase of 2.4 percentage points. System traffic decreased 0.9 per cent on a capacity reduction of 3.6 per cent system wide.

"In August, Air Canada recorded a record system load factor for the month of 86.8 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "These record load factor results, for the second consecutive month, combined with stable system traffic year-over-year, reflect not only our ongoing disciplined approach to capacity management, but also the strong response from our customers and travel trade partners. Our initiatives over recent months to re-engage customers and travel agents are clearly starting to pay off. With our major fleet refurbishment program now complete, we remain focused on listening to our customers and offering them a market leading product, schedule and Aeroplan loyalty program. We will also continue to strategically redeploy capacity to pursue profitable new revenue generation opportunities as we manage through the difficult environment created by the ongoing effects of a weak global economy. The hard work of our employees has been instrumental in earning the loyalty of our customers, and I want to thank them for their dedication and professionalism that is being recognized by the market's positive response."