Strong demand gives Westjet soaring numbers

Calgary based carrier reports record figures

WestJetAirlinesLtd. said Wednesday continued strong demand for air travel in September saw the carrier fill its planes at record levels during the third quarter.

The Calgary based carrier reported a record September load factor — or average amount of seats filled on its planes — of 79.1 per cent, up 4.4 per cent year over year. That was made on the heels of a 7.7 per cent improvement in traffic during the month compared to a year ago, while its capacity grew 1.7 per cent over the same period.

“We reported a record load factor each month this quarter which has translated to our highest ever quarterly load factor,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet chief executive, in a statement. “The record load factor exceeded our expectations this quarter and demand remains healthy as we begin the transition into our winter schedule.”

WestJet said its load factor for the third quarter hit 84.6 per cent, up 4.5 per cent year over year, after traffic improved nearly 8 per cent and capacity grew 2 per cent over the same period.

Meanwhile, PorterAirlines said its own load factor fell 5.7 per cent in September com- pared with a year ago to 62.3 per cent, which it said was the result of Labour Day traffic shifting to August this year.

Traffic fell 2.3 per cent dur- ing the month compared with a year ago while capacity grew 6.7 per cent year over year.

“Overall, we’re encouraged by the entire third quarter results,” said Robert Deluce, Porter Airlines chief executive. “We are also seeing higher average fares with the transition back to business travel in the fall season.”