(Reuters) - WestJet Airlines reported slightly emptier planes in November, data showed on Monday, as capacity increases at the carrier outflanked a rise in demand.
Canada's second-biggest airline's load factor -- the percentage of available seats filled with paying customers -- fell to 77.6 percent last month from 77.7 percent in November last year.
The low-cost airline said revenue passenger miles, or traffic, rose 4.4 percent to 1.34 billion year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles, was up 4.5 percent to 1.72 billion over the same period.
http://ca.reuters.com
http://ca.reuters.com
WestJet reports November traffic results
CALGARY, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Airline achieves its second highest November load factor ever
WestJet today announced November 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 77.6 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 4.4 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 4.5 per cent over the same period. The airline flew an additional 51,000 guests this November compared to November of last year.
"Achieving our second-highest November load factor, as we continued to grow capacity, is an accomplishment of which we're very proud. I thank WestJetters for their amazing energy and the care for our guests that they bring to work every day," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.
"We are noticing a slight shift in booking patterns this holiday season with more travel spilling into January as school breaks are starting later in December," added Gregg Saretsky. "We are now expecting our projected fourth quarter 2011 year-over-year RASM growth to be between four and five per cent."
November 2011 traffic results
November 2011 November 2010 Change
Load factor 77.6% 77.7% (0.1 pts.)
ASMs (billions) 1.728 1.653 4.5%
RPMs (billions) 1.340 1.284 4.4%
Year-to-date 2011 Year-to-date 2010 Change
Load factor 79.6% 79.9% (0.3 pts.)
ASMs (billions) 19.293 17.768 8.6%
RPMs (billions) 15.359 14.195 8.2%
On November 23, 2011, WestJet announced it successfully bid for eight slot pairs, defined as one arriving flight and one departing flight, at New York's LaGuardia airport. "After a six-year hiatus, we are excited to be returning to LaGuardia with more favourable arrival and departure times that we believe will be very well received by business travellers," commented Gregg Saretsky.
In November, WestJet Vacations also launched a redesigned westjetvacations.com. This new site has been merged with the existing structure of westjet.com and offers guests the opportunity to book both flights and vacations through a simple and consistent website. New features of the WestJet Vacations site include destination and hotel guides, intuitive mapping options, guest feedback, social media sharing capabilities and an improved online booking process. A French version of westjetvacations.com is also live alongside the English site and French-speaking call centre agents are available between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT seven days a week.
Caution regarding forward-looking statements Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding expected RASM growth, 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 strategy 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 (AIF) 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 favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 96 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 39 aircraft through 2018, 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
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