Air Canada expects system, international capacity growth in 2015

Air Canada stated (16-Sep-2015) it expects system growth between 9.0% and 10.0% year-over-year in 2015, while international capacity is projected to increase between 11.5% and 12.5% year-over-year. The carrier has achieved or exceeded its 2013 investor day financial targets, with a 15.5% EBITDAR margin on a 12-month trailing basis, 16.2% ROIC on a 12-month trailing basis, and a leverage ratio of 2.3 by 2018. Air Canada said it is leveraging its strengths internationally through "extensive and expanding global network, geographically well-positioned hubs, competitive products and services." The carrier anticipates a yield impact due to increased average stage lengths and a greater mix of leisure revenues vs business revenues. Incremental traffic is also being flown on significantly lower-cost aircraft, resulting in margin expansion. Air Canada has also experienced a 17% year-over-year increase in ancillary revenues in 1H2015.[more - original PR]