WestJet Encore receives its Air Operator Certificate
WestJet (Calgary) announced today that Transport Canada has issued an air operator certificate (AOC) for WestJet Encore, which launches service in Western Canada on June 24, 2013.
An air operator certificate is granted following an extensive application process whereby Transport Canada determines whether or not a company’s facilities and organizational structure, including properly licensed and qualified personnel, meet the applicable requirements. Transport Canada then determines the applicant has the ability to operate the service safely, properly and in accordance with the regulating standards and procedures detailed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet. The first, Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-FOEN (msn 4440), arrives at the Calgary base.
WestJet: 
Bottom Copyright Photo: WestJet. A symbolic key was presented to the airline for the first delivery. The term “Q400″ is a marketing term. The aircraft are certified as DHC-8-402 aircraft.
Bombardier delivers the first Q400 to WestJet for WestJet Encore
Bombardier Aerospace (Montreal) and WestJet (Calgary) today (June 6) announced the delivery of the first of 20 DHC-8-402 (Q400) NextGen turboprop airliners ordered by WestJet. The aircraft will be operated by the new regional carrier, WestJet Encore (Calgary) and will serve multiple destinations, beginning in Western Canada in its first year of service. WestJet also holds options for 25 additionalQ400 NextGen aircraft.
Earlier this year, WestJet announced plans to begin service with Encore on June 24, 2013, opening new routes to Fort St. John and Nanaimo, British Columbia, as well as Brandon, Manitoba, on September 3, 2013. Flights to points in Alberta and Saskatchewan are to be added later this year, along with additional flights to cities already served by WestJet.
Today, Bombardier Aerospace hosted a special delivery ceremony in Toronto alongside more than 100 WestJetters, including Gregg Saretsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, WestJet and Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore, and Executive Vice-President, WestJet. Also on site in Toronto, where the Q400 NextGen airliners are manufactured, were Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, Simon Roberts, Vice-President and General Manager, Turboprop Programs and the Toronto Site, Bombardier Aerospace and guests from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet. Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-FOEN (msn 4440) “401″ flies over Toronto’s downtown Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
WestJet:
Bottom Copyright Photo: Bombardier. C-FOEN has small WestJet Encore titles by the forward L1 door.
Video:
WestJet Encore to serve Brandon, Manitoba from Calgary
WestJet (Calgary) today announced the launch of new daily, nonstop service between Brandon, Manitoba and Calgary. The service will be operated by WestJet Encore’s fleet of Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) NextGen turboprop aircraft.
Details of the new daily service between Brandon and Calgary are:
| Flight | Departing | Arriving | Effective |
| 3242 | Calgary at 9:50 a.m. | Brandon at 12:50 p.m. | September 3, 2013 |
| 3243 | Brandon at 1:20 p.m. | Calgary at 2:35 p.m. | September 3, 2013 |
WestJet Encore will take delivery of its first two Canadian-built, 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft in June 2013 and add five more by the end of the year. WestJet has firm orders for a total of 20 Q400s and options for an additional 25 over the next six years.
Image: WestJet.
WestJet:
WestJet reports record 1Q net profit of C$91.1 million, will sell 10 Boeing 737-700s
WestJet (Calgary) today announced its first quarter results for 2013. The airline reported record net earnings of $91.1 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, up from the net earnings of $68.3 million, or $0.49 per diluted share reported in the first quarter of 2012. These results mark WestJet’s 32nd consecutive quarter of profitability. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 14.3 per cent, up from the 13.7 per cent reported in the previous quarter.
“We are very pleased to report our best ever quarterly earnings and for the third consecutive quarter we exceeded our 12 per cent ROIC target by achieving 14.3 per cent,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “The excitement is building as we move closer to the launch of WestJet Encore. I want to thank WestJetters for their dedication and tremendous efforts in providing our guests a caring and friendly experience each and every day.”
| Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars) | |||
| Q1 2013 | Q1 2012 | Change | |
| Net earnings (millions) | $91.1 | $68.3 | 33.3% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $0.68 | $0.49 | 38.8% |
| Total revenues (millions) | $967.2 | $891.0 | 8.6% |
| Operating margin | 13.7% | 11.9% | 1.8 pts |
| ASMs (available seat miles) (billions) | 6.032 | 5.690 | 6.0% |
| RPMs (revenue passenger miles) (billions) | 5.088 | 4.721 | 7.8% |
| Load factor | 84.3% | 83.0% | 1.3 pts |
| Segment guests | 4,493,324 | 4,230,415 | 6.2% |
| Yield (revenue per revenue passenger mile) (cents) | 19.01 | 18.87 | 0.7% |
| RASM (revenue per available seat mile) (cents) | 16.03 | 15.66 | 2.4% |
| CASM (cost per available seat mile) (cents) | 13.84 | 13.80 | 0.3% |
| CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share (cents)* | 8.94 | 8.95 | (0.1%) |
*Refer to reconciliations in the accompanying tables for further information regarding calculations.
WestJet announced in February the first two new communities WestJet Encore will be servicing. Beginning on June 24, 2013, WestJet Encore will begin daily service from Calgary and Vancouver to Fort St. John, British Columbia, and from Calgary to Nanaimo, British Columbia.
In January 2013, WestJet launched a three-year company-wide business transformation initiative with a goal to reduce annual costs by $100 million by the end of 2015 and to undertake a longer term initiative to ensure WestJet’s unit costs are competitive with low cost North American airlines. This initiative will focus on aircraft and asset utilization, distribution, productivity, and all non-operational expenses.
For the second quarter of 2013, WestJet expects strong traffic growth and earnings among its best ever for a second quarter, notwithstanding an expected moderate decline in its second quarter RASM which will be impacted by the timing of Easter and Passover, the elimination of Thomas Cook capacity purchase commitments, the loss of the one-time benefit from Air Canada’s labour uncertainty in the second quarter of 2012, and accelerating capacity growth fueled by higher utilization and the launch of WestJet Encore.
For the second quarter of 2013, WestJet expects CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share, to be flat to up one per cent year-over-year. The airline expects fuel costs to range between $0.84 and $0.86 cents per litre for the second quarter of 2013, representing a year-over-year decrease of six to nine per cent.
For the full year 2013, the airline now expects CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share, to be flat to up one per cent year-over-year primarily as a result of cost reductions achieved and anticipated through its business transformation initiative, but excluding any benefit from the exemption it received yesterday from Transport Canada, to the requirement for one flight attendant for every forty passengers on board.
WestJet announced today it has entered into an agreement with a third party under which WestJet will sell 10 of its oldest Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft to that party in 2014 and 2015, and concurrently entered an agreement with Boeing to purchase 10 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft in 2014 and 2015, effectively reducing the average age of WestJet’s fleet by approximately one year. WestJet has deferred the delivery of five Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft from 2014 and 2015 to 2016 and 2017. “These agreements are part of our strategy to optimize and modernize our fleet mix, which will improve CASM, while maintaining fleet flexibility going forward,” added Gregg Saretsky.
Dividend declaration
On May 6, 2013, WestJet’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per common voting share and variable voting share for the second quarter of 2013, to be paid on June 28, 2013, to shareholders of record on June 12, 2013. All dividends paid by WestJet are, pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act, designated as eligible dividends, unless indicated otherwise. An eligible dividend paid to a Canadian resident is entitled to the enhanced dividend tax credit.
In other news, WestJet confirmed it has received an exemption from Transport Canada to the requirement for one flight attendant for every 40 passengers on board. The exemption, which is effective immediately, allows for one flight attendant for every 50 seats on board the aircraft.
“We are pleased that Transport Canada has granted this exemption,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “One flight attendant for every 50 seats is the accepted international practice and has been in place for decades around the world. “This exemption will place us on a level regulatory playing field with U.S. and international carriers who fly in and out of Canada every day under these rules. Safety is a core value at WestJet and we commend the government for recognizing that there is a consistent level of safety operating under this ratio.”
“WestJet has committed that it will not lay off any flight attendants under this new exemption,” commented Antonio Faiola, WestJet Flight Attendant and Chair of PACT, WestJet’s employee association. “Our history speaks for itself: WestJet has always worked with its employees when our business changes and this is another example of its commitment to its people.”
“We anticipate cost savings once this exemption has been operationalized across our network,” continued Gregg Saretsky. “These savings will allow us to grow our network and continue to provide low fares for the Canadian traveller. We will now work with our operations teams to determine when we can implement these changes which will in turn determine when these savings will be realized.”
On the intent to order 10 new Boeing 737-800s, Boeing issued this statement:
“Boeing is delighted that WestJet has committed to order 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The commitment, with a current list-price value of $891 million, is a key component of the Calgary-based carrier’s strategy to optimize and modernize its fleet. Boeing looks forward to working with WestJet to finalize the order in the coming days.”
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 737-7CT WL C-FWBL (msn 32750) approaches Los Angeles International Airport for landing.
WestJet:
WestJet arrives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
WestJet (Calgary) yesterday (May 2) launched new twice-weekly nonstop service between Toronto (Pearson) and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The first flight left Toronto’s Pearson International Airport at 9:30 a.m. EDT.
Details of WestJet’s new nonstop twice-weekly service (Thursdays and Sundays) between Toronto and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are as follows:
| Flight | Departing | Arriving | Effective |
| 1154 | Toronto at 9:30 a.m. | Myrtle Beach at 11:35 a.m. | May 2, 2013 |
| 1155 | Myrtle Beach at 12:20 p.m. | Toronto at 2:14 p.m. | May 2, 2013 |
Introductory one-way fares starting at:
| Departing | Arriving | Air transportation charges (ATC) |
Taxes, fees and charges |
Total one-way price from |
|
| Base fare from | Other ATC | ||||
| Toronto | Myrtle Beach |
$89 | $7.50 | $82.27 | $178.77 *CAD |
*Some restrictions apply.
Further service expansion began April 29, when WestJet launched new nonstop daily service between Calgary and Dallas-Fort Worth, offering more connectivity than ever to the United States through WestJet’s code-share agreement with American Airlines. Within Canada, WestJet is also increasing the number of flights between Toronto and Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, and will introduce new nonstop service between Toronto and Fort McMurray. The airline will also increase to two flights daily from one between Calgary and Los Angeles, and to 11 from seven flights weekly between Toronto and Orlando.
Internationally, WestJet will extend service to Aruba; Liberia, Costa Rica; and Trinidad and Tobago on a year-round basis. The airline will also add one extra flight each week between Toronto and Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica; Varadero, Cuba; St. Maarten; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Cancun, Mexico.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 737-7CT WL C-FWBL (msn 32750) approaches for landing at Orlando International Airport.
WestJet:
WestJet arrives in Dallas/Fort Worth today
WestJet (Calgary) today launches new daily nonstop service between Calgary and Dallas/Fort Woth, Texas. The first flight leaves Calgary International Airport at 10:25 a.m. MST .
“Today marks the launch of service to a key destination,” said Chris Avery , WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the fourth-largest airport in the United States , as well as a major hub for our partner, American. Combined, the two airlines offer three round-trip flights between Calgary and Dallas , and beyond that, the opportunity to connect to 16 additional cities as part of our code-sharing agreement. This additional connectivity, combined with the opportunity to earn rewards on both airlines, is an attractive offer for business travellers in particular.”
The WestJet code is also available on American-operated routes connecting through Dallas-Fort Worth to Albuquerque , N.M., Austin, Texas, Nashville , Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., Fort Lauderdale , Fla., Jacksonville , Fla., Kansas City , Mo., Orlando , Fla., Miami , Fla., New Orleans , La., Oklahoma City , Okla., Raleigh-Durham, N.C., San Antonio , Texas, St. Louis , Mo., Tampa, Fla., and Tulsa , Okla.
Details of WestJet’s new nonstop daily service between Calgary and Dallas-Fort Worth are:
| Flight | Departing | Arriving | Effective |
| 1554 | Calgary at 10:25 a.m. | Dallas-Fort Worth at 2:58 p.m. | April 29, 2013 |
| 1555 | Dallas-Fort Worth at 3:45 p.m. | Calgary at 6:29 p.m. | April 29, 2013 |
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. American Airlines is WestJet’s new strategic partner and the move to serve AA’s largest hub at DFW makes a lot of business sense. WestJet has also serves AA’s Latin American hub at Miami where Boeing 737-7CT C-GWBF (msn 32757) is pictured taxiing to the runway.
WestJet:
WestJet and Icelandair launch their new interline agreement
WestJet (Calgary) and Icelandair (Keflavik) have launched a new interline agreement opening up the skies for passengers connecting between the Americas and more than 20 Icelandair destinations throughout Europe .
Passengers can now book a single combined e-ticket for WestJet and Icelandair flights which includes the conveniences of single check-in for all flights and baggage sent through to the final destination.
Earlier this year Icelandair expanded its seasonal service from Toronto to a year-round operation with plans to increase capacity next summer. Icelandair will also resume seasonal service from Halifax with two flights a week starting June 1, 2013.
Icelandair, the national carrier of Iceland since 1937, offers service to Iceland from Boston , New York-JFK, Seattle , Denver and Toronto with seasonal service from Newark , Washington, D.C., Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando Sanford , Halifax , and Anchorage (starting May 15 , 2013).
Top Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 737-7CT WL C-FWAF (msn 32747) arrives at Las Vegas.
WestJet:
Icelandair:
Bottom Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Boeing 757-208 WL TF-FIP (msn 30423) completes its final approach into London (Heathrow).
WestJet expands its relationship with American
WestJet (Calgary) has announced it will begin code-sharing on American Airlines flights to 16 new cities beyond Dallas-Fort Worth in conjunction with WestJet’s new, nonstop service between Calgary and Dallas-Fort Worth launching on April 29, 2013. WestJet and American Airlines together will provide three round-trip flights per day between the two cities.
The WestJet code has now been added on American Airlines-operated routes connecting through Dallas-Fort Worth to Albuquerque, N.M., Austin, Texas, Nashville, Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Fla., Jacksonville, Fla., Kansas City, Mo., Orlando, Fla., Miami, Fla., New Orleans, La., Oklahoma City, Okla., Raleigh-Durham, N.C., San Antonio, Texas, St. Louis, Mo., Tampa, Fla., and Tulsa, Okla.
Two new destinations out of Chicago will also be available via the American Airlines partnership. Flights out of Chicago to Charlotte, N.C., and Fort Myers, Fla., will also operate under the code-share agreement.
Copyright Photo: Boeing 737-76N WL C-GWSE (msn 33379) taxies to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport.
WestJet:
WestJet and Air France expand their relationship
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) and Air France (Paris) today announced they have entered into a code-share agreement enabling Air France to offer its customers 10 new Canadian destinations operated by WestJet.
The “AF” code is now on select WestJet flights connecting from Toronto to Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saint-John’s, Moncton and Halifax. Winnipeg and Calgary flights also bear the French carrier’s code for both Toronto and Montreal connections to Air France’s direct flights to Paris.
This is the ninth code-share agreement for WestJet which, additionally, has twenty-one interline relationships.
Top Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 737-76N WL C-GWSH (msn 29886) climbs away from runway 27R at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
WestJet: 
Air France: 
Bottom Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Airbus A320-211 F-GHQK (msn 236) taxies to the runway at Geneva.
WestJet reduces its carry-on policy to 1 carry-on and 1 personal item
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) has updated its carry-on policy, now reflecting the industry standard. The airline issued this statement
WestJet today announced it is updating the number of carry-on pieces guests are permitted to bring on board to one from two, plus one personal item, effective April 4, 2013.
The carry-on item (eg. a suitcase, backpack or bag) must be no larger than 21 inches by 9 inches by 15 inches and it must fit in the WestJet sizing devices located in airports across our network. If it does not fit, it must be checked at the boarding gate and picked up upon arrival at the baggage carousel.
Personal items include small purses, laptop bags or mobility or child restraint devices. For parents travelling with infants, a diaper bag is permitted over and above the carry-on allowance.
“Updating our baggage allowance has many benefits,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. “Fewer carry-on items will mean more room for everyone’s baggage, and faster and more efficient boarding. This, in turn, helps us stay on time. It will also create a more consistent experience for guests travelling between WestJet and WestJet Encore beginning later this spring, as well as for guests connecting to and from flights offered by our codeshare and interline partners, most of whom have already adopted this standard.”
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
WestJet:
WestJet is coming to Dallas/Fort Worth and Myrtle Beach, Encore to launch on June 24
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) will add Dallas/Fort Worth on April 29 with daily service from the Calgary hub per Airline Route. Additionally the fast-growing carrier will also add Myrtle Beach, SC and the Toronto (Pearson)-Myrtle Beach route with twice-weekly service on May 2.
The carrier is also expected to launch its new WestJet Enclore Bombardier Q400 turboprop operation on June 24 initially with two bases at Calgary and Vancouver. Initially Calgary will connect Edmonton, Fort St. John, Nanaimo and Saskatoon. From Vancouver Encore will serve Fort S. John and Victoria.
This morning the airline the released this statement:
WestJet today announced the launch of new nonstop service between Toronto and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and between Calgary and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, beginning this spring. Flights on both routes will be operated using the airline’s fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
Starting May 2, 2013, WestJet will introduce twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays between Toronto and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Daily service between Calgary and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, will begin on April 29, 2013. Flights for both services, featuring great introductory fares, will be available for purchase on February 11, 2013.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the fourth-largest airport in the United States, as well as a major hub for WestJet’s partner, American Airlines. WestJet’s relationship with American Airlines will enable guests to access three round-trip flights a day between Calgary and Dallas, a key Western business route, as well as American’s extensive network beyond Dallas.
Details of WestJet’s new non-stop twice-weekly (Thursday and Sunday) service between Toronto and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are as follows:
| Flight | Departing | Arriving | Effective |
| 1154 | Toronto at 9:30 a.m. | Myrtle Beach at 11:35 a.m. | May 2, 2013 |
| 1155 | Myrtle Beach at 12:20 p.m. | Toronto at 2:14 p.m. | May 2, 2013 |
Details of WestJet’s new nonstop daily service between Calgary and Dallas-Fort Worth are:
| Flight | Departing | Arriving | Effective |
| 1554 | Calgary at 10:25 a.m. | Dallas-Fort Worth at 2:58 p.m. | April 29, 2013 |
| 1555 | Dallas-Fort Worth at 3:45 p.m. | Calgary at 6:29 p.m. | April 29, 2013 |
Introductory one-way fares are:
| Departing | Arriving | Air transportation charges (ATC) |
Taxes, fees and charges |
Total one-way price from |
|
| Base fare from |
Other ATC | ||||
| Calgary | Dallas-Fort Worth | $139 | $7.50 | $81.89 | $228.39*CAD |
| Toronto | Myrtle Beach | $79 | $7.50 | $80.89 | $167.39*CAD |
*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com for full details.
Within Canada, WestJet is also increasing the number of flights between Toronto and Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, and will introduce new non-stop service between Toronto and Fort McMurray. The airline will also increase to two flights daily from one between Calgary and Los Angeles, and to 11 from seven flights weekly between Toronto and Orlando.
WestJet also released this statement about Encore:
WestJet announced the launch of new nonstop daily service to Fort St. John and Nanaimo, British Columbia. The service will be operated by WestJet Encore’s fleet of Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, and includes new daily service between Vancouver and Victoria.
“The announcement of the first two cities to be served by WestJet Encore is an historic moment for this new airline,” said Ferio Pugliese, Executive Vice-President, WestJet, and President, WestJet Encore. “As Canada’s low-fare leader, we look forward to introducing our award-winning guest experience to Canadians in smaller communities while connecting to our network of 85 destinations in 18 countries.”
In June 2012 , representatives from more than 30 Canadian cities came to WestJet’s Calgary campus to convey their interest in WestJet Encore. Fort St. John and Nanaimo are the first two cities, and others will be added in the future.
“We are just getting started,” said Ferio Pugliese. “The communities that are not part of today’s announcement continue to be under consideration as we take delivery of additional aircraft later this year and in the years to come.”
Details of the new daily service between Calgary , Fort St. John, Vancouver and Victoria are:
| Flight | Departing | Arriving | Effective |
| 3101 | Calgary at 4 p.m. | Fort St. John at 4:39 p.m. | June 24, 2013 |
| 3103 | Fort St. John at 5:10 p.m. | Vancouver at 6:55 p.m. | June 24, 2013 |
| 3103 | Vancouver at 7:25 p.m. | Victoria at 7:55 p.m. | June 24, 2013 |
| 3102 | Victoria at 7:15 a.m. | Vancouver at 7:44 a.m. | June 25, 2013 |
| 3102 | Vancouver at 8:15 a.m. | Fort St. John at 9:59 a.m. | June 25, 2013 |
| 3100 | Fort St. John at 10:30 a.m. | Calgary at 1 p.m. | June 25, 2013 |
Introductory one-way fares are:
| Departing | Arriving | Air transportation charges (ATC) |
Taxes, fees & charges |
Total one-way price from |
|
| Base fare from |
Other ATC | ||||
| Calgary | Fort St. John | $109 | $18 | $45.33 | $172.33* CAD |
| Fort St. John | Vancouver | $109 | $18 | $43.37 | $170.37* CAD |
| Vancouver | Victoria | $49 | $12 | $20.89 | $81.89*CAD |
| Victoria | Vancouver | $49 | $12 | $26.49 | $87.49*CAD |
| Vancouver | Fort St. John | $109 | $18 | $28.81 | $155.81*CAD |
| Fort St. John | Calgary | $109 | $18 | $43.37 | $170.37*CAD |
*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com for full details.
Details of the new daily service between Calgary and Nanaimo are:
| Flight | Departing | Arriving | Effective |
| 3109 | Calgary at 11 a.m. | Nanaimo at 11:43 a.m. | June 24, 2013 |
| 3108 | Nanaimo at 12:30 p.m. | Calgary at 2:57 p.m. | June 24, 2013 |
Introductory one-way fares are:
| Departing | Arriving | Air transportation charges (ATC) |
Taxes, fees & charges |
Total one-way price from |
|
| Base fare from |
Other ATC | ||||
| Calgary | Nanaimo | $79 | $18 | $43.83 | $140.83*CAD |
| Nanaimo | Calgary | $79 | $18 | $30.81 | $127.81*CAD |
*Some restrictions apply.
WestJet Encore will take delivery of its first two Canadian-built, 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft in June 2013 and add five more by the end of the year. WestJet has firm orders for a total of 20 Q400s and options for an additional 25 over the next six years.
Image: WestJet.
WestJet:
WestJet reports 4Q net earnings of C$60.9 million and full year net earnings of C$242.4 million
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) has announced its fourth quarter and year-end results for 2012. The airline reported fourth quarter net earnings of $60.9 million, or $0.46 per share and full-year net earnings of $242.4 million, or $1.78 per share; up significantly from the net earnings of $148.7 million, or $1.06 per share, reported for 2011. These financial results mark WestJet’s 31st consecutive quarter of profitability. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 13.7 per cent, up from the 12.7 per cent reported last quarter.
“We are very pleased with the positive momentum generated in 2012 that culminated with us reporting record annual earnings, record high load factors and for the second consecutive quarter, we surpassed our return on invested capital target of 12 per cent by achieving 13.7 per cent for the year,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “Fundamentally our momentum is traced to the commitment and dedication of our over 9,000 WestJetters, and I am very proud of the positive and caring attitude they exemplify each and every day.”
Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars)
| Q4 2012 | Q4 2011 | Change | Full-Year 2012 |
Full-Year 2011 |
Change | |
| Net earnings (millions) | $60.9 | $35.6 | 71.3% | $242.4 | $148.7 | 63.0% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $0.46 | $0.26 | 76.9% | $1.78 | $1.06 | 67.9% |
| Total revenues (millions) | $860.6 | $781.5 | 10.1% | $3,427.4 | $3,071.5 | 11.6% |
| Operating margin | 10.6% | 7.6% | 3.0 pts | 11.0% | 8.4% | 2.6 pts |
| ASMs (available seat miles) (billions) | 5.487 | 5.329 | 3.0% | 22.064 | 21.186 | 4.1% |
| RPMs (revenue passenger miles) (billions) | 4.493 | 4.194 | 7.1% | 18.263 | 16.891 | 8.1% |
| Load factor | 81.9% | 78.7% | 3.2 pts | 82.8% | 79.7% | 3.1 pts |
| Segment Guests | 4,314,024 | 3,996,593 | 7.9% | 17,423,352 | 16,040,682 | 8.6% |
| Yield (revenue per revenue passenger mile) (cents) |
19.16 | 18.64 | 2.8% | 18.77 | 18.18 | 3.2% |
| RASM (revenue per available seat mile) (cents) |
15.68 | 14.67 | 6.9% | 15.53 | 14.50 | 7.1% |
| CASM (cost per available seat mile) (cents) |
14.01 | 13.55 | 3.4% | 13.83 | 13.29 | 4.1% |
| CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share (cents)* |
9.32 | 9.03 | 3.2% | 9.12 | 8.85 | 3.1% |
*Refer to reconciliations in the accompanying tables for further information regarding calculations.
WestJet also announced its intention, upon the expiry of the 12-month period of its 2012 normal course issuer bid, to make an application to the Toronto Stock Exchange to initiate a further normal course issuer bid for up to 5 per cent of the currently issued and outstanding shares. The airline also declared an increase to its quarterly dividend from $0.08 to $0.10. “Continuing the share buy-back program and increasing the dividend signals our confidence in the strength of the business and our commitment to return value to shareholders,” added Gregg Saretsky.
Throughout 2012, WestJet was able to expand its virtual network with the implementation of 13 new interline partnerships, and by evolving four existing interline partnerships (Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, China Eastern Airlines and British Airways) into code-share relationships, bringing the total number of airline partnerships to thirty worldwide.
WestJet expects moderate growth in RASM and margin expansion in the first quarter of 2013, notwithstanding the difficult prior year comparisons and increases in system wide capacity. For the full year 2013, the airline expects CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share, to increase between two to three percent year-over-year. For the first quarter of 2013, WestJet expects fuel costs to range between $0.94 and $0.96 per litre.
Dividend declaration
On February 5, 2013 WestJet’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per common voting share and variable voting share for the first quarter of 2013, to be paid on March 28, 2013, to shareholders of record on March 13, 2013. All dividends paid by WestJet are, pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act, designated as eligible dividends, unless indicated otherwise. An eligible dividend paid to a Canadian resident is entitled to the enhanced dividend tax credit.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems. Boeing 737-7CT C-FKIW (msn 37955) arrives at Las Vegas.
WestJet:
WestJet reports a record December load factor of 81.9 percent
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced December 2012 traffic results with a record load factor of 81.9 percent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 7.2 percent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 6.0 percent over the same period. The airline flew 17.4 million guests in all of 2012 which is a year-over-year increase of 8.6 percent or approximately 1,383,000 additional guests.
“We are very pleased to close out the year with six consecutive monthly load factor records and record high loads in all four quarters. Our positive momentum culminated in 2012 with a new single-day record of flying more than 57,000 guests on December 21st,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “Our forward bookings continue to be strong and I want to thank our more than 9,000 WestJetters for their great efforts and caring attitudes, despite challenging weather, that ensured another memorable holiday travel season for our guests.”
December 2012 traffic results
| December 2012 | December 2011 | Change | |
| Load factor | 81.9% | 80.9% | 1.0 pts. |
| ASMs (billions) | 2.006 | 1.893 | 6.0% |
| RPMs (billions) | 1.642 | 1.532 | 7.2% |
| Fourth quarter 2012 |
Fourth quarter 2011 |
Change | |
| Load factor | 81.9% | 78.7% | 3.2 pts. |
| ASMs (billions) | 5.487 | 5.329 | 3.0% |
| RPMs (billions) | 4.493 | 4.194 | 7.1% |
| Full-year 2012 | Full-year 2011 | Change | |
| Load factor | 82.8% | 79.7% | 3.1 pts. |
| ASMs (billions) | 22.064 | 21.186 | 4.1% |
| RPMs (billions) | 18.263 | 16.891 | 8.1% |
WestJet reached a major milestone in early December, when it took delivery of its 100th Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. In 2013, WestJet will take delivery of an additional five Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft and seven Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. “With the delivery of its first two Q400s scheduled for June and the launch of its first schedule in February, excitement is building as WestJet Encore gets closer to providing more communities with access to our low fares and caring guest experience,” added Gregg Saretsky.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Boeing 737-8CT C-GWSZ (msn 37092) in the special “Care-antee” color scheme taxies from the gate at Toronto (Pearson).
WestJet: 
WestJet sets a new one-day traffic record
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) announced it was planning to fly 57,464 passengers yesterday (December 21), setting a new single-day record for guests travelling with the airline.
Across the airline’s network, WestJetters have been getting into the holiday spirit by volunteering their time with its WestJet Cares for Kids partner charities. At this busy time of year, WestJetters who work in the airline’s Calgary campus and in offices across the country also offer their time to help in airports, helping guests use kiosks and agents drop off and sort baggage.
Earlier this month, the airline unveiled its WestJet Christmas Flash mob where WestJet employees turned the D-wing of Calgary International Airport into Santa’s workshop, spreading Christmas cheer just before a sold-out red-eye flight to Toronto earlier this month.
Video:
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 737-7CT C-FWAO (msn 33657) prepares to land at Los Angeles International Airport.
WestJet: 
WestJet celebrates the delivery of its 100th Next-Generation Boeing 737
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) and Boeing (Chicago) celebrated the 100th Next-Generation 737 to join the airline’s fleet on December 6.
WestJet began in 1996 with three Boeing 737-200s serving five cities and has grown into Canada’s largest low-fare airline serving 81 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. With today’s delivery of a Boeing 737-800, WestJet’s fleet now consists of 100 airplanes – all Boeing Next-Generation 737s.
The airplane, the pictured 737-8CT registered as C-GAWS (msn 38880), was initially delivered to Newport Beach, California-based leasing company Aviation Capital Group (ACG) and is now being leased and operated by WestJet.
Copyright Photo: Rick Schlamp. Wearing its test registration of N1781B, the new jetliner carries unique #100 Boeing 737 NG sub-titles at Seattle (Boeing Field).
WestJet: 
WestJet adds more flights for 100th Grey Cup in Toronto
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) has announced it will add additional flights between Calgary and Toronto (Pearson) to accommodate demand from football fans to huddle up for centennial Grey Cup celebrations in Toronto this weekend. The Calgary Stampeders will play the Toronto Argonauts for CFL supremacy at Rogers Centre on Sunday, November 25 .
WestJet will add one flight on Friday from Calgary to Toronto and one flight on Monday from Toronto to Calgary , plus return flights in the opposite direction each day.
“The Grey Cup is Canada’s oldest professional sports trophy and a truly Canadian celebration,” said Bob Cummings , WestJet’s Executive Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. “This year, as we celebrate the 100th Grey Cup Championship in Toronto , we’re calling the signals. Flights between Calgary and Toronto are almost completely sold out, so we’re changing the play. In support of this iconic Canadian tradition, we are adding two more flights to help get more fans over their goal line.”
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Boeing 737-7CT C-FMWJ (msn 32771) prepares to touch down at Toronto (Pearson).
WestJet: 
WestJet reports third quarter net profit of C$70.6 million
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced third quarter net earnings of $70.6 million, or $0.52 per diluted share; up from the net earnings of $39.3 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, reported in the third quarter of 2011. These financial results mark WestJet’s 30th consecutive quarter of profitability. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 12.7 per cent, up from the 11.4 per cent reported last quarter.
“It was another great quarter for WestJet with significant earnings growth and continued margin expansion. We are also pleased to report a 12.7 per cent return on invested capital which surpasses our 12 per cent target,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “This quarter, we achieved our highest ever quarterly load factor and I thank WestJetters for taking care of this record number of guests and contributing to these strong financial results.”
| Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars) |
| Q3 2012 | Q3 2011 | Change | Year-to- date 2012 |
Year-to- date 2011 |
Change | |
| Net earnings (millions) | $70.6 | $39.3 | 79.9% | $181.4 | $113.1 | 60.4% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $0.52 | $0.28 | 85.7% | $1.33 | $0.80 | 66.3% |
| Total revenues (millions) | $866.5 | $775.3 | 11.8% | $2,566.8 | $2,290.0 | 12.1% |
| Operating margin | 12.5% | 8.5% | 4.0 pts. | 11.1% | 8.6% | 2.5 pts. |
| ASMs (available seat miles) (billions) | 5.498 | 5.389 | 2.0% | 16.576 | 15.857 | 4.5% |
| RPMs (revenue passenger miles) (billions) | 4.654 | 4.315 | 7.8% | 13.770 | 12.697 | 8.4% |
| Load factor | 84.6% | 80.1% | 4.5 pts. | 83.1% | 80.1% | 3.0 pts. |
| Segment guests | 4,611,315 | 4,203,372 | 9.7% | 13,109,328 | 12,044,089 | 8.8% |
| Yield (revenue per revenue passenger mile) (cents) | 18.62 | 17.97 | 3.6% | 18.64 | 18.04 | 3.3% |
| RASM (revenue per available seat mile) (cents) | 15.76 | 14.39 | 9.5% | 15.48 | 14.44 | 7.2% |
| CASM (cost per available seat mile) (cents) | 13.80 | 13.16 | 4.9% | 13.77 | 13.20 | 4.3% |
| CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share (cents)* | 9.10 | 8.77 | 3.8% | 9.06 | 8.79 | 3.1% |
| *Refer to reconciliations in the accompanying tables for further information regarding calculations. |
WestJet expects that RASM growth will continue in the fourth quarter at a slightly moderated pace compared to the 2012 year-to-date growth. “Our forward bookings indicate that demand for air travel remains healthy as we head into the winter season. We expect operating margin expansion in the fourth quarter and continued profitable growth into 2013,” commented Gregg Saretsky.
The airline anticipates that fuel costs per litre will range between $0.91 and $0.93 in the fourth quarter of 2012. WestJet expects the increase in the fourth quarter CASM, excluding fuel and profit share, will be in line with the year-over-year increase reported in the third quarter of 2012. The projected full-year 2012 CASM, excluding fuel and profit share, remains unchanged from the previous estimate of an increase between three to 3.5 per cent.
WestJet recently announced that the name of its low-cost regional airline will be WestJet Encore and Calgary has been selected as the head office location for the new airline. The launch of WestJet Encore remains on track for the second half of 2013. The initial flight schedule is expected to be released in early 2013 which will include the first group of new communities the new airline plans to serve.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Boeing 737-6CT C-GWSB 9msn 34285) taxies to the runway at Toronto (Pearson).
WestJet: 
WestJet to name the new Bombardier Q400 operation WestJet Encore
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) will name its new Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) operation “WestJet Encore”. The company issued the follwing statement:
Following a vote by WestJetters, WestJet announced that the name of its new regional airline will be WestJet Encore. The regional airline will launch in the second half of 2013, using Bombardier Q400 aircraft to serve smaller Canadian communities.
“We are excited to launch WestJet Encore, leveraging the phenomenal strength of the WestJet brand delivered through our WestJetters,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. “Encore reinforces that our WestJetters are ready to repeat the success of WestJet, liberating Canadians in many communities from the high cost of travel.”
WestJet will announce a schedule for WestJet Encore, including the first group of communities it will serve, in early 2013.
Image: WestJet.
WestJet: 
WestJet to operate seasonal Toronto-Port of Spain service on November 16
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) will start daily seasonal flights between Toronto (Pearson) and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on November 16 per Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 737-7CT C-GGWJ (msn 35503) arrives at Los Angeles.
WestJet Slide Show: 
WestJet has a record second quarter
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced a second quarter net earnings record of C$42.5 million, or C$0.31 per diluted share; up from the net earnings of C$25.6 million, or C$0.18 per diluted share, reported in the second quarter of 2011. These financial results mark WestJet’s 29th consecutive quarter of profitability. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 11.4 per cent, up from the 10.8 per cent reported last quarter.
Today, WestJet also announced that it will be introducing a premium economy product on its entire Boeing 737 fleet featuring extra legroom, convenience and other amenities. Modifications to the aircraft will begin in August and the airline expects to have the fleet fully reconfigured by the end of 2012.
Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars)
| Q2 2012 | Q2 2011 | Change | Year-to-date 2012 | Year-to-date 2011 | Change | |
| Net earnings (millions) | $42.5 | $25.6 | 65.9% | $110.8 | $73.9 | 50.0% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $0.31 | $0.18 | 72.2% | $0.81 | $0.52 | 55.8% |
| Total revenues (millions) | $809.3 | $742.3 | 9.0% | $1,700.2 | $1,514.7 | 12.2% |
| Operating margin | 8.7% | 6.9% | 1.8 pts. | 10.4% | 8.7% | 1.7 pts. |
| ASMs (available seat miles) (billions) | 5.389 | 5.238 | 2.9% | 11.079 | 10.468 | 5.8% |
| RPMs (revenue passenger miles) (billions) | 4.395 | 4.092 | 7.4% | 9.116 | 8.382 | 8.8% |
| Load factor | 81.6% | 78.1% | 3.5 pts. | 82.3% | 80.1% | 2.2 pts. |
| Segment guests | 4,267,598 | 3,941,609 | 8.3% | 8,498,013 | 7,840,717 | 8.4% |
| Yield (revenue per revenue passenger mile) (cents) | 18.41 | 18.14 | 1.5% | 18.65 | 18.07 | 3.2% |
| RASM (revenue per available seat mile) (cents) | 15.02 | 14.17 | 6.0% | 15.35 | 14.47 | 6.1% |
| CASM (cost per available seat mile) (cents) | 13.71 | 13.19 | 3.9% | 13.76 | 13.22 | 4.1% |
| CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share (cents)* | 9.12 | 8.70 | 4.8% | 9.03 | 8.81 | 2.5% |
WestJet expects RASM growth in the third quarter to be moderately stronger than the first half growth and anticipates ongoing operating margin expansion in the second half of 2012.
WestJet now projects its full-year CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share to increase between three to 3.5 per cent year over year from its previous expectation of up 1.5 to 2.5 per cent. This revision is primarily due to higher flight operations and inflight recruitment and training expenses in the fourth quarter in anticipation of our expanded winter schedule which was only recently finalized, increased maintenance expense and a slight reduction in capacity associated with the aircraft reconfiguration project. The airline anticipates that its fuel costs will range between $0.90 and $0.92 per litre for the third quarter of 2012.
The airline also declared an increase to its quarterly dividend from $0.06 to $0.08.
WestJet and Bombardier signed a definitive purchase agreement on July 31, 2012. The purchase agreement includes a firm order of 20 DHC-8-402 (Q400) NextGen turboprop aircraft with purchase options for an additional 25 Q400 aircraft. Of the firm orders, seven turboprops are scheduled to be delivered in 2013. This will be followed by seven more of the confirmed orders in 2014, four in 2015 and two in 2016. The scheduled delivery slots for the 25 optional aircraft range between 2014 and 2018.
In other news, WestJet and WestJet Vacations today announced that guests on board WestJet flights can expect an extra-special inflight experience as part of their travels during the month of August.
Working with the Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd., WestJet is launching a unique inflight experience with a little Disney-inspired magic on board. Guests will receive complimentary Disney-themed snacks and napkins while enjoying free Disney cartoons and movies on seatback televisions throughout the flight. On select routes, guests will also enjoy Disney-themed jokes, fun facts and a complimentary gift.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
Westjet: 
WestJet to lease two Boeing 757-200s from Thomas Cook Airlines
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) announced today it will lease two Boeing 757-200 aircraft from Thomas Cook Airlines (Manchester) to deliver more nonstop, daytime service between Calgary and Honolulu and Maui, and between Edmonton and Maui.
Pending regulatory approval, flights are scheduled to begin on December 13, 2012, and continue through April 21, 2013. Details of WestJet’s seasonal nonstop service include:
| Route | Weekly frequency |
| Between Calgary and Honolulu | Twice weekly |
| Between Calgary and Maui | Four times weekly |
| Between Edmonton and Maui | Three times weekly |
Just as in the previous year, WestJet flight attendants will be on board the Boeing 757-200s. Thomas Cook Airlines will provide the aircraft and pilots. The agreement complements the announcement in April that WestJet’s Boeing 737 aircraft will provide more seat capacity for Thomas Cook in the 2012-2013 winter season. As an expansion to its successful, two-year, Canada-wide, partnership, WestJet is the only airline providing capacity for Thomas Cook’s tour operator arm in the Canadian market.
Copyright Photo: Matt Dueck. In the past, North American Airlines operated its pictured Boeing 757-28A N750NA for WestJet. N750NA climbs away from Calgary.
WestJet: 
WestJet and China Eastern Airlines launch a code-share partnership
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) has announced it has entered into a code-share agreement with China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai). Tickets are on sale for flights starting on July 1, 2012.
This code-share agreement allows China Eastern Airlines to market and distribute WestJet-operated flights by placing its “MU” flight indicator on WestJet-operated flights within North America.
In addition to China Eastern Airlines, WestJet has code-share agreements with American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, KLM and Korean Air.
Top Copyright Photo: Gilbert Hechema.
Search: 
WestJet:
China Eastern: 
Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
Canadian North and WestJet sign an interline agreement
Canadian North (Yellowknife) has announced an interline agreement with WestJet Airlines (Calgary), effective on May 24, 2012. This agreement allows for the convenience of booking travel with both airlines on one ticket, checking in for Canadian North and WestJet flights at the same time, as well as through-checking luggage all the way to the final destination.
Canadian North operates flights to and from Northwest Territories and Nunavut through their southern gateways of Edmonton and Ottawa, allowing for convenient connections across southern Canada with WestJet.
Copyright Photo: Gilbert Hechema. 
Canadian North: 
WestJet flies its one millionth flight of its Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) yesterday (May 29) operated its one millionth flight of its Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The milestone flight is WS 612 from Calgary to Toronto (Pearson), departing Calgary International Airport at 12:10 p.m. MDT and arriving at Toronto Pearson at 5:52 p.m. EDT.
WestJet launched in 1996 with a fleet of three Boeing 737-200s (see below), serving five destinations in Western Canada. It began replacing those aircraft with the more fuel-efficient Boeing Next-Generation 737-600, -700 and -800 series aircraft in May 2001, becoming a completely Next-Generation fleet in January 2006.
Since 2001, WestJet has flown approximately 110 million guests on one million flights with its Boeing Next-Generation aircraft, travelling a total distance of 2.4 billion kilometers or the equivalent distance of 15 trips to Mars and back.
Launched with just 220 WestJetters in 1996, the airline now employs more than 8,600 people in 32 cities across Canada. Inducted into Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame, WestJet consistently ranks as one of the country’s top employers and is proud to be Canada’s preferred airline.
WestJet has recorded 28 consecutive quarters of profitability and is currently one of the most profitable airlines in North America. Thanks to the efforts of WestJetters, the airline has made a profit in all but two quarters over its 16-year history, sharing more than $220 million in profits among its employees in that time.
Top and Bottom Copyright Photos: TMK Photography.
WestJet: 
WestJet launches Vancouver-Whitehorse flights
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) yesterday (May 17) announced the launch of new, nonstop seasonal service between Vancouver and Whitehorse. The airline’s inaugural flight from Vancouver departed at 6:40 (1840) p.m. PDT last night. The inaugural flight from Whitehorse departs today (May 18) at 8:30 a.m. PDT.
Copyright Photo: Royal S. King.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet will offer daily service between Vancouver International Airport and Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.
Vancouver – Whitehorse (daily until October 27, 2012)
| Flight | Departure | Arrival |
| From Vancouver (WS 367) | 6:40 p.m. | 9:02 p.m. |
| From Whitehorse (WS 676) | 8:30 a.m. | 10:46 a.m. |
WestJet arrives in Chicago
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) yesterday (May 14) launched new, nonstop seasonal service to Chicago (O’Hare) from Vancouver and Calgary. The inaugural flights departed from Vancouver at 11:40 a.m. (1140) PDT and Calgary at 4 p.m. (1600) MDT.
These new flights are timed to connect with WestJet’s code-share partner, American Airlines, to cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Washington.
WestJet will fly between Calgary and Chicago, and Vancouver and Chicago, once daily.
Vancouver – Chicago (daily until October 27, 2012)
| Flight | Departure | Arrival |
| From Vancouver (WS 1688) | 11:40 a.m. | 5:39 p.m. |
| From Chicago (WS 1747) | 8:45 a.m. | 11:24 a.m. |
Calgary – Chicago (daily until October 26, 2012)
| Flight | Departure | Arrival |
| From Calgary (WS 1646) | 4 p.m. | 8:15 p.m. |
| From Chicago (WS 1523) | 6:30 p.m. | 9:15 p.m. |
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet launches weekly flights to Aruba today
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced the launch of new, nonstop seasonal service between Toronto (Pearson) and Aruba, Netherlands Antilles. The inaugural flight departed Toronto’s Pearson International Airport at 9 a.m. EDT today.
WestJet will fly between Toronto and Aruba once weekly on Sundays.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet reports its highest load factor ever in April
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) announced April traffic results with a record load factor of 86.2 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.2 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew five per cent over the same period. The airline flew 1.48 million guests this month; more than 120,000 additional guests than April of last year.
The airline set a new single-day record on April 5, 2012, as it flew more than 54,000 guests across the WestJet network leading up to the Easter weekend.
The end of April marks the transition to WestJet’s summer schedule. New destinations include Kingston, Jamaica, which launched on April 30, 2012, and service to Aruba, Chicago and Whitehorse will all start in May. WestJet’s business-friendly schedule to New York’s LaGuardia airport will start on June 4, 2012, with seven daily nonstop flights each business day between Toronto and New York City, increasing to eight daily flights in July.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet signs LOI for 20 Bombardier Q400s, has a record first quarter
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced its first quarter results for 2012. The airline reported record first quarter net earnings of C$68.3 million, or $0.49 per diluted share; up from the net earnings of C$48.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, reported in the first quarter of 2011. This represents WestJet’s 28th consecutive quarter of profitability. WestJet’s operating cash flow per share for the first quarter of 2012 was $1.87, an increase of 31 per cent year over year. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 10.8 per cent, up from the 10.1 per cent reported last quarter.
WestJet today also announced it has selected Montreal-based Bombardier Inc. to supply aircraft for its new regional airline, expected to launch in the second half of 2013. The airline will fly the Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) NextGen turboprop (below) to new cities, existing destinations not currently connected by WestJet, and will allow for schedule improvements on certain routes where a smaller aircraft can efficiently provide greater frequency.
WestJet has signed a letter of intent to purchase 20 Q400s with the option to purchase a further 25 aircraft. The airline expects to announce its initial regional schedule using the Q400s later in 2012.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Bottom Image: Bombardier.
WestJet launches nonstop Toronto-Kingston flights today
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today (April 30) launched new, nonstop service between Toronto and Kingston, Jamaica. The inaugural flight departed Toronto Pearson International Airport at 9 a.m. (0900) EDT.
WestJet will fly between Toronto and Kingston three times a week on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet unveils its electric baggage tug
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) on Earth Day showcased its newest environmental innovation, a baggage tug which runs on rechargeable lithium polymer batteries. The tug, which resembles a small tractor, pulls baggage carts to and from the aircraft and is the first of its kind to operate on this type of battery.
As part of a pilot project, the airline worked alongside Corvus Energy, a Richmond-based technology company, to re-engineer the tug to be powered by lithium polymer batteries, removing the need for any fossil fuel to power the equipment. The tug, which began operating in October at Calgary International Airport, successfully performed in frigid temperatures, without incident, throughout the winter.
The change to electric power has allowed the airline to continue its focus on on-time performance, as baggage can be transported to and from the aircraft on approximately 11 flights per day on a single charge.
In May, two electric baggage tugs will arrive in Whitehorse for the launch of daily service to the area, which begins May 17. The airline expects the technology to be effective in the Yukon’s cold weather temperatures where lead-acid batteries are prone to freezing and cannot be recharged once frozen, and where gas-powered tugs are not permitted in the airport’s ground-level baggage areas.
Copyright Photo: WestJet.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Thomas Cook Canada switches from Jazz to WestJet for its Sunquest charter flights
Thomas Cook Canada (Toronto) which just announced it was ending its relationship with Jazz Aviation (Halifax) and the Boeing 757-200s, announced today (April 18) a new exclusive partnership with WestJet Airlines (Calgary) which will now provide all airline seats for Thomas Cook’s tour operator brand Sunquest Vacations (Sunquest) using their modern fleet of Boeing 737s.
This decision takes effect for Sunquest’s winter 2012-2013 program, which commences in November 2012, and follows on the heels of the already planned summer flying program with WestJet.
WestJet has operated a significant portion of Sunquest’s winter flying program since the 2009-2010 season and the full summer program since 2010.
Thomas Cook North America is a division of Thomas Cook Group plc, one of the world’s leading leisure travel groups with sales of C$15.7 billion, 23.6 million customers and 31,000 employees. Its travel businesses in Canada include Sunquest Vacations, Fun Sun Vacations, Exotik Tours and Bel Air Travel. Thomas Cook in Canada also oversees operations for Sears Travel’s 106 retail shops nationwide. Thomas Cook operates under six geographic segments in 22 countries, including Canada and the United States
Top Copyright Photo: Reinhard Zinabold.
Thomas Cook Canada-Jazz Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
WestJet becomes a new partner of the Toronto Blue Jays, sets a new record
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) has announced they have signed deal making the airline an official partner of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. The announcement, which comes in anticipation of the season opener, marks the airline’s first major team sponsorship.
With JetBlue and Virgin America introducing the first two MLB logojets this season, is there a Toronto Blue jays logojet coming to celebrate this new partnership? WestJet has never had a sports team logojet.
In other news, WestJet announced it was due to fly 54,254 guests yesterday (April 5), setting a new single-day record for the airline. The previous record, set on February 26, 2012, saw 52,992 guests fly across the airline’s network.
The new single-day record comes as Canadians enjoy an extended weekend in celebration of Easter.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet “turns the knife” on Air Canada
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) seizing the moment while Air Canada (Montreal) was dealing with its labor turmoil, suddenly issued this press release:
“WestJet announced today (March 23) it is Canada’s preferred airline, according to research performed by TNS Canada on behalf of the airline.
Conducted in each of the last two quarters of 2011, the results showed that 44 per cent of Canadians said they prefer WestJet overall, as compared to 39 per cent for Air Canada. Participants were also asked to rate airlines in the categories of “genuinely cares”, best customer service, lowest prices and best value. In all categories, WestJet’s scores were approximately double that of Air Canada’s.
“I am extremely pleased with these results,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. “WestJet has built its brand on the pillars that Canadians trust us, they like to fly with us and they feel we offer great value. We are now at the point where our schedule, our WestJet Rewards program, our appeal to business travellers and our award-winning guest experience have made us Canada’s preferred airline.”
The TNS Canada research is an ongoing online survey among Canadians who have taken a flight within the past 12 months. Approximately 2,700 surveys are completed each quarter in a nationally representative sample of Canadian flyers across the 10 provinces.
In light of current labour unrest at Air Canada, WestJet would also like Canadians to know that it is able to help travellers whose plans may be affected, particularly in Toronto and Montreal where most of the service disruptions have been reported.
From now until April 1, WestJet has approximately 26,000 seats available on flights leaving from Toronto and about 7,600 seats on flights leaving from Montreal. There are more than 143,000 seats available across WestJet’s 76-city national and international network over the next week or so.
“We want Canadians to know they can book a WestJet flight with confidence,” said Bob Cummings. “If travellers are worried that labour unrest at Air Canada will jeopardize their spring break vacation, their flight to visit family and friends, or their business trip, we want them to know that we will do our best to get them where they want to go.”
Flight arrangements can be made on westjet.com, through the WestJet Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET (1-888-937-8538) or by contacting your travel agent.”
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet’s full year profit rises 65%, announces plans for a regional feeder subsidiary
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GWSZ (msn 37092) (Care-antee-F) YVR (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced its fourth quarter and year-end results for 2011. The airline reported fourth quarter net earnings of $35.6 million, or $0.26 per share and full-year net earnings of $148.7 million, or $1.06 per share; up significantly from the net earnings of $90.2 million, or $0.62 per share, reported for 2010. WestJet’s operating cash flow per share for the full-year 2011 was $3.60, an increase of 25 per cent compared to last year. All figures are in Canadian currency.
On January 16, 2012, WestJet announced that it was examining the possibility of launching a new low-cost short-haul, regional airline. Since that time, WestJetters have provided their input and voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strategy. According to the airline, “the leadership team and the board have made the decision to move ahead with plans to launch a new low-cost regional airline that will replicate our success in stimulating demand by bringing low fares to many new communities.”
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet is coming to Chicago O’Hare on May 14
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GJWS (msn 34152) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced it will launch daily nonstop service between Chicago (O’Hare) and Vancouver and between Chicago (O’Hare) and Calgary, effective on May 14, 2012.
While WestJet will fly these routes with its own Boeing 737-700/800 aircraft, the airline will continue to market nonstop service from Chicago (O’Hare) to Toronto (Pearson), Chicago (O’Hare) to Ottawa and Chicago (O’Hare) to Montreal (Trudeau) on American Airlines’ code-share flights. Chicago is an American Airlines’ major hub, providing connections to key destinations in the U.S. and across the world.
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet to launch nonstop Vancouver-Whitehorse flights on May 17
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-6CT C-GPWS (msn 34284) BFI (Royal S. King), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) will launched daily nonstop flights from Vancouver to Whitehorse, Yukon on May 17. The new route will be operated with Boeing 737-600s.
Copyright Photo: Royal S. King.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet is coming to LaGuardia on June 4
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-FTWJ (msn 30713) YYZ (TMK Photography), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) has unveiled details of its scheduled service to New York’s LaGuardia airport. In November, WestJet successfully bid for eight slot pairs, bringing WestJet’s service to the slot-controlled airport preferred by business travelers.
The airline will launch seven nonstop flights each business day between Toronto and New York City starting on June 4, 2012. On July 12, WestJet will increase to eight nonstop flights each business day.
The launch of new service comes on the heels of the recently signed code-share agreement with Delta Air Lines. WestJet guests travelling between Toronto and New York will arrive into Delta’s main connection area at LaGuardia, allowing connections to Delta’s U.S. network without additional security screening.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Delta and WestJet expand their codeshare agreement
Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-432 ER N845MH (msn 29719) (Force for Global Good-The Breast Cancer Research Foundation) ATL (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today announced a new codesharing agreement on flights within the United States and Canada, further expanding the partnership between the two carriers. The codeshare flights are available for purchase now for service beginning on January 23, 2012.
Last year, the two airlines began an interline agreement that allowed customers to purchase connecting flights on one ticket, receive boarding passes for all segments at their first check-in, and tag bags through to their final destination.
Under the first phase of the new codeshare agreement, Delta will place its code on WestJet flights to more than 15 cities, while the WestJet code will be added to Delta flights on five markets, expanding the networks of both airlines for customers flying between the two countries. Members of the Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles® program and WestJet’s Frequent Guest Program® will be able to earn miles or rewards on the codeshare flights, providing customers another benefit of the enhanced relationship.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for information on this special logoplane.
Delta Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet’s CEO Gregg Saretsky is considering smaller jets
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GJWS (msn 34152) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines’ (Calgary) Chief Executive Officer Gregg Saretsky believes it has already achieved its goals for sufficiently serving its medium size Boeing 737 markets in Canada. In order for the company to grow it needs to acquire smaller jets to serve smaller markets. The smaller aircraft will feed the main routes and eventually the airline will add long-range routes with larger aircraft according to this interview with Saretsky in the Globe and Mail.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
JetBlue and WestJet win slots
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N569JB (msn 2075) (10th Anniversary) FLL (Dave Campbell), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York) has won an auction for eight new takeoff and landing slots at both New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Washington Reagan National Airport according to this report by Reuters and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Additionally WestJet Airlines won eight takeoff and landing slots at LaGuardia.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Dave Campbell.
JetBlue Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet has a profitable third quarter
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GWSR (msn 35288) YYZ (TMK Photography), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) announced third quarter results for 2011. The airline reported net earnings of C$39.3 million ($38.8 million US), or 28 cents per share; compared to third quarter 2010 net earnings of $43.8 million or 30 cents per share.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet reports strong second quarter net earnings
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-GWBJ (msn 32754) YUL (Gilbert Hechema), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) reported second quarter 2011 net earnings of $25.6 million, or 18 cents per share, which is up significantly from the net earnings of $6.8 million and 5 cents per share reported in the second quarter of 2010. These financial results mark WestJet’s 25th consecutive quarter of profitability.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Gilbert Hechema. Please click on the photo for additional information.
WestJet reports strong first quarter net earnings
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-GWBF (msn 32757) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) today reported first quarter 2011 net earnings of C$48.2 million, or 34 cents per share, a significant improvement from C$2.4 million or 2 cents per share reported in the first quarter of 2010. The airline achieved an operating margin of 10.3 per cent which represents an increase of 6.4 points compared to the first quarter of 2010.
Revenue per available seat mile (RASM) was up 12.1 per cent year over year which was mostly attributable to significant yield improvement and slight load factor growth. “We are pleased that the market has absorbed the fare increases put in place to offset rising fuel costs. These strong first quarter results represent net earnings per guest of roughly twelve dollars which highlights the competitive nature of the airline industry,” said Gregg Saretsky. For the second quarter of 2011, WestJet is projecting fuel costs, excluding hedging, to range between $0.95 and $0.98 per litre, and is anticipating continued strong year-over-year RASM growth.
For the first half of 2011, WestJet is expecting cost per available seat mile (CASM), excluding fuel and employee profit share, to be relatively flat on a year-over-year basis compared to the first half of 2010.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for additional information.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
WestJet keeps the April Fool’s Day joke alive
WestJet Airlines-North American Airlines Boeing 757-28A N750NA (msn 26277) YYC (Matt Dueck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) keeps its sense of humor. In this day of very serious airline business, it is refreshing to find an airline with a sense of humor. Air New Zealand is one and also WestJet. In the great honor of April Fool’s Day, WestJet issued the following statement today:
“WestJet today introduced a new state-of-the-art money-saving feature on board all flights aimed at countering the rising price of jet fuel. Effective today, WestJet will be using air mixed with helium in the ventilation system to lighten the weight of the aircraft.
Helium is approximately 85 per cent lighter than nitrogen, which accounts for 80 per cent of the air we breathe. With a maximum takeoff weight of more than 150,000 pounds, adding helium to the air mix will provide fuel savings of approximately three to four per cent on board WestJet’s Boeing Next-Generation 737s. This will, in turn, allow WestJet to pass the savings on to its guests.
“As a low-cost airline, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to keep our costs low,” said Richard Bartrem, WestJet’s Vice-President, Communications and Community Relations. “We have been working with our aviation partners to determine the feasibility of this initiative and we are very excited that it has come to fruition.”
For more information and an on-board demonstration, please visit westjet.com/helium.”
Copyright Photo: Matt Dueck. Please click on the photo for the story of this leased Boeing 757.
WestJet Airlines and American Airlines sign their new code share agreement
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GKWJ (msn 34151) LAX (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) and American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) announced today they have entered into a comprehensive codeshare agreement, providing customers with more choices and greater connectivity when travelling between the United States and Canada.
The codeshare relationship, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will allow American to place its AA* code on WestJet flights, and WestJet to place its WS* code on flights of American Airlines and American Eagle.
The placement of AA* code on WestJet flights will provide American’s customers seamless connecting service to up to 20 Canadian cities not currently served by American or American Eagle. WestJet will initially place its WS* code on American or American Eagle flights from Canada to Chicago and Boston, with expanded service throughout American Airlines network expected in the near future. The codeshare agreement will make it easier and more convenient for customers to connect from WestJet to American’s global route network and from American to WestJet’s Canadian operations.
In other news, WestJet launched new nonstop seasonal service between St. John’s and Orlando.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for additional information.
North American Airlines starts operating for WestJet with N750NA
WestJet 757!!!, originally uploaded by Wee in YYC.
North American Airlines (New York-JFK) started operating for WestJet Airlines (Calgary) on February 12 with its Boeing 757-28A N750NA (msn 26277). The larger aircraft is operating with WestJet titles from Calgary and Edmonton to Hawaii.
Copyright Photo: Dave Subelack. N750NA departs from Calgary bound for Maui.
WestJet titles are added to North American Airlines’ Boeing 757-28A N750NA
WestJet Airlines (Calgary), as we previously reported, is getting ready to wet lease Boeing 757-28A N750NA (msn 26277) from North American Airlines (New York-JFK). WestJet titles have been added to the aircraft.
View the photos from WestJet via Facebook:
WestJet turns in one of the best financial performances for 2010
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GKWJ (msn 34151) LAX (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) announced its fourth quarter and full-year results for 2010. The airline reported fourth quarter net earnings of C$47.9 million, or $0.33 cents per diluted share. Excluding special items, this represents record fourth quarter net earnings and an increase of 217 per cent compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. WestJet reported full-year net earnings of C$136.7 million, or $0.94 cents per diluted share.
WestJet reported a fourth quarter operating margin of 11.4 per cent, compared to 6.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009. For the full year, WestJet achieved an operating margin of 9.5 per cent compared to a 2009 margin of 9.2 per cent, among the best performances of North American airlines.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for the aircraft details.
WestJet signs interline agreement with Delta, expands “Eastern Triangle” flights
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GJWS (msn 34152) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) and Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) yesterday (February 7) signed an interline agreement (click on photo for additional details).
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines announced the start of codeshare service with Gol, immediately adding 15 new destinations to its South American network.
In other news, WestJet also announced details of an initiative aimed to better serve the needs of business travellers flying between Toronto and Montreal as well as Toronto and Ottawa.
Beginning on May 2, 2011, WestJet will offer 10 flights each business day between Toronto and Montreal and nine flights each business day between Toronto and Ottawa.
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Please click on the photo for additional details.
WestJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
