WestJet has announced September traffic results with a load factor of 77.7%, a year-over-year improvement of 2.2 percentage points. Revenue passenger miles (RPM) increased 0.4%, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASM), declined 2.5% over the same period.
"We are encouraged by our year-over-year improvement in September's load factor," said WestJet President and CEO Sean Durfy. "While the demand environment remained a challenge, our strategic capacity management, strengthening sales channels and strong brand helped us end the quarter on a positive note."
"With the third quarter of 2009 coming to an end, we anticipate a year-over-year revenue per available seat mile (RASM) decline of 15 to 17% for the period - this is slightly better than our original expectations," commented Sean Durfy. "As we move into the final quarter of 2009, and the winter travel season, we feel that WestJet Vacations is increasingly becoming a popular and trusted choice for Canadians seeking value."
"The commitment of our WestJetters is extraordinary," added Sean Durfy. "In a year when we are delivering several major projects, WestJetters have stepped up to the challenge, while continuing to build the type of trust and loyalty that comes from treating guests with care, respect and appreciation."
