This week the Canadian airline WestJet announced its September 2018 traffic results which saw the carrier drop load factor on its flights to just 79.2%
Whilst the load factor was down by 1.2% on last years totals, it still saw revenue increase with revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 9.7 % over last years results. Capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 11.3 % over the same period. WestJet welcomed an additional 137,000 guests in September, a year-over-year increase of 7.1 per cent. Year-to-date traffic growth continues to outpace capacity additions.
"We are pleased with our strong year-over-year traffic growth as we flew close to 7 million guests and attained our second highest ever load factor for the quarter. During the month of September, we also achieved the best operational completion rate in North America on our WestJet mainline business," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "As we transition through our shoulder period into the busy winter season, I want to thank every individual WestJetter for continuing to provide our guests with an award-winning service experience.".
September 2018 traffic results
September 2018
|
September 2017
|
Change
| |
Load factor
|
79.2%
|
80.4%
|
-1.2 pts.
|
ASMs (billions)
|
2.769
|
2.488
|
11.3%
|
RPMs (billions)
|
2.192
|
1.999
|
9.7%
|
Third Quarter 2018
|
Third Quarter 2017
|
Change
| |
Load factor
|
84.6%
|
85.7%
|
-1.1 pts.
|
ASMs (billions)
|
8.880
|
8.077
|
9.9%
|
RPMs (billions)
|
7.517
|
6.922
|
8.6%
|
Year to Date 2018
|
Year to Date 2017
|
Change
| |
Load factor
|
84.5%
|
83.9%
|
0.6 pts.
|
ASMs (billions)
|
24.831
|
23.339
|
6.4%
|
RPMs (billions)
|
20.972
|
19.575
|
7.1%
|
Note: All statistics are at a consolidated WestJet group level
