Steady demand fuels strong revenue performance for Canadian carriers in first quarter

Favourable demand trends helped Canada's two main carriers record strong unit revenue performance year-over-year during 1Q2012. But the similarities end there as WestJet recorded a profit of CAD68.3 million (USD68.6 million) while Air Canada widened its loss from CAD19 million (USD19.1 million) to CAD210 million (USD210 million) year-over-year as its fuel expense grew by CAD147 million (USD147.7 million). Both carriers face challenges heading into the rest of year as WestJet has revised its cost guidance upwards and Air Canada continues to manage the fallout from its prolonged labour strife.

WestJet's 6% growth in passenger unit revenues beat the carrier's own forecast as CEO Gregg Saretsky explained the revenue growth allowed WestJet to fully recover the 19.6% rise in fuel costs the airline recorded year-over-year.

Total revenue at WestJet increased 15.3% during 1Q to CAD891 million (USD895.2 million) as yields increased 4.8% on a 8.8% rise in supply.