WestJet expects RASK increase in 3Q2010; traffic up but load factors slip in Aug-2010

WestJet reported (07-Sep-2010) the following traffic highlights for Aug-2010:

• Traffic (RPMs): 1.437 billion, +8.2% year-on-year;
• Load factor: 82.2%, -2.3 ppts. [more]

The carrier added that it expects a "positive increase" in revenue per ASK (RASK) in the current quarter.

WestJet: "We continue to direct the majority of our new capacity toward our southern destinations, as we find the demand for leisure travel continues to be robust. Additionally, our increased focus on the business travel segment, a key part of our growth strategy, has begun generating a positive response from corporate sales. Business and leisure travellers are benefiting from the value of our new fare structure as evidenced by the strong traffic growth," Gregg Saretsky, President and CEO. Source: Company Statement, 07-Sep-2010.