WestJet earns spot in top 10
WestJet has been selected by Aviation Week as a top 10 international airline. The study ranks airline carriers across the world by their annual revenues, using financial and operational data to rate publicly traded airlines in five different performance categories. WestJet is the only Canadian airline and one of only two North American airlines to appear on this year’s list. Gregg Saretsky, president and CEO of WestJet, said: “We are elated that our airline is ranked in the top 10 in the world. WestJetters across our network strive to provide an exceptional guest experience, and this study is confirmation that our efforts are making a difference. Our organization is fueled by WestJetters who are passionately committed across all financial, operational and guest experience initiatives measured in this survey.” Over the past year, WestJet has grown to include seven code-share and 18 interline agreements and in May of this year, the carrier posted a record first-quarter net earnings of $68.3 million, the airline’s 28th consecutive quarter of profitability. WestJet’s operational performance has steadily improved over the past year, with an average of two per cent improvement monthly in on-time arrivals within 15 minutes of its published timetable. This complements an 11 per cent reduction in flight delay minutes and continuous improvements to already strong baggage-handling performance. On the horizon, plans continue for the launch of a low-cost regional airline in 2013, where WestJet’s commitment to low fares and a remarkable guest experience will be extended to new communities across Canada. Said Saretsky: “A common theme across our organization is momentum. In addition to the hard work of our WestJetters, our financial position and operational strengths provide us with the opportunity to continue to grow our airline in a sustained and responsible way while continuing with the foundation our airline was built on: to take care of our people and to take care of our guests.” Go to http://www.westjet.com .