Airline flies 1.5 million guests in the month, a 2.2 per cent increase

CALGARY, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today announced April 2013 traffic results with a load factor of 82.7 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 3.2 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), was 7.4 per cent higher over the same period. The airline flew 1.5 million guests in April, a year-over-year increase of 2.2 per cent or approximately 33,000 additional guests.

"We are pleased with the continued year-over-year growth in traffic, and have experienced the same soft patch reported by other North American carriers in April, which is not only attributable to the timing of the Easter and Passover holidays, but also the cancellation of some of the Thomas Cook capacity purchase commitments we were unable to resell so late in the season, and the loss of the one-time benefit from Air Canada's labour uncertainty in the second quarter of 2012. We are however seeing stronger bookings in May and June," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "WestJetters continue to demonstrate passion for our airline, and I thank them for the teamwork and dedication they show in providing our guests with a remarkable experience."

April 2013 traffic results

WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts' conference call today, May 7, 2013, at 8 a.m. MDT (10 a.m. EDT). President and CEO Gregg Saretsky and Executive Vice-President of Finance and CFO Vito Culmone will discuss WestJet's first quarter 2013 results and answer questions from financial analysts and members of the media. The conference call will be available in Toronto by calling 416-915-3239, in Vancouver by calling 604-638-5340 and across Canada and the United States through the toll-free telephone number 1-800-319-4610. The call can also be heard live through an Internet webcast accessible via the Media and Investor Relations section of www.westjet.com.

WestJet will also hold its AGM today, May 7, 2013, at 2 p.m. MDT (4 p.m. EDT) at WestJet's Calgary Campus at 22 Aerial Place NE. The AGM webcast will be available live in the Media and Investor Relations section of www.westjet.com.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding the strength of bookings for May and June contains forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. These forward-looking statements are based on WestJet's existing forecast and currently available implementation plans, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in guest demand, regulatory and competitive environment and general economic conditions. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available under WestJet's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. WestJet does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as is required by law.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 85 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet
Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet

SOURCE WestJet