WestJet reports record March traffic

Airline flies nearly 104,000 more guests year over year and reports second highest March load factor

WestJet today announced March traffic results with a load factor of 86.2 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased nine per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew seven per cent over the same period. The airline flew nearly 104,000 more guests this March compared to March of last year.

"Earning Canada's preferred airline status while carrying record traffic would not have been possible without WestJetters - our caring and friendly owners who are committed to the airline's ongoing success," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky.

"We are very pleased with the market strength we've seen in March and system-wide demand remains healthy. The market has absorbed our growth and increased fare levels have helped offset higher fuel costs."

March 2012 traffic results
      March 2012     March 2011     Change
Load factor     86.2%     84.8%     1.4 pts.
ASMs (billions)     1.960     1.831     7.0%
RPMs (billions)     1.691     1.552     9.0%

      First quarter 2012     First quarter 2011     Change
Load factor     83.0%     82.0%     1.0 pts.
ASMs (billions)     5.690     5.230     8.8%
RPMs (billions)     4.721     4.290     10.0%

WestJet recently introduced a unique promotion for new WestJet RBC World MasterCard cardholders. In addition to the welcome bonus of $100 WestJet dollars, the offer allows new cardholders to take one companion on a round-trip flight, on the same itinerary, for $99 (excluding taxes, fees and surcharges) on any WestJet-operated flight in Canada or the continental U.S., excluding Hawaii and Puerto Rico. To receive this offer, new cardholders must apply and be approved from March 1 to April 30, 2012, and make their first purchase by June 15, 2012.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information set forth in this news release, including information regarding system-wide demand, 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 preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 76-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 and leather seats on its modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 37 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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