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WestJet announces record January load factor of 76.8 per cent

Feb. 4, 2009, Calgary - WestJet today announced strong January traffic results with a record January load factor of 76.8 per cent.


February 4, 2009  By Carey Fredericks

Feb. 4, 2009, Calgary – WestJet today announced strong January traffic results with a record January load factor of 76.8 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPM) increased 10.3 per cent year over year and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASM), grew 9.4 per cent over the same period.
       
"We are pleased with our increased load factor for the month of January," commented Sean Durfy, WestJet President and CEO. "Our traffic results demonstrate the success of our efforts to continue to profitably grow. With over 35,000 more guests coming onboard this January compared to last, we are
further penetrating all the markets we serve.
       
"Given the continuing economic downturn, we are cautious with respect to our year-over-year revenue per available seat mile (RASM) predictions. It is difficult to compare the first quarter of 2009 to our record first quarter of 2008 that saw us increase RASM by eight per cent year over year. Our first quarter of 2008 benefited from Easter taking place in March as well as a more robust economy in Western Canada. Presently, we are seeing downward pressure on our yields, contributing to an expected decline in year-over-year RASM for the first quarter of 2009."

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