News
Air Canada reports record September load factor

Oct. 10, 2008, Montreal, Que. – For the month of September, Air Canada reported a load factor of 79.9 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz, a record for the month, versus 78.7 per cent in September 2007, an increase of 1.2 percentage points. System traffic decreased 5.0 per cent on a capacity decrease of 6.4 per cent system wide.     

Air Canada mainline reported a load factor of 80.9 per cent, a record for the month, compared to 79.1 per cent in September 2007; an increase of 1.8 percentage points. The mainline carrier flew 4.8 per cent fewer revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in September 2008 than in September 2007 on a capacity decrease of 6.9 per cent, according to preliminary traffic figures.     

Jazz, from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity, flew 7.3 per cent fewer RPMs in September 2008 than in September 2007, according to preliminary traffic figures. Capacity decreased by 1.6 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 69.2 per cent, compared to 73.5 per cent in September 2007; a decrease of 4.3 percentage points.     

"Air Canada mainline posted a record load factor of 80.9 per cent for the month of September," said Montie Brewer, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We're pleased that through on-going prudent capacity management we are able to maintain our strong performance, even in a softening North American market. I am particularly proud of our employees who, for the sixth consecutive month, have exceeded On-Time Performance objectives through some of the busiest travel periods of the year."