CALGARY, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced September 2017 traffic results with a load factor of 80.4 per cent an increase of 0.5 percentage points year over year. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 5.9 per cent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 5.3 per cent over the same period. In the third quarter of 2017, the airline flew an all-time record high of 6.5 million guests, a year-over-year increase of 10.7 per cent or approximately 630,000 additional guests.

"We are very pleased with our strong traffic growth, as we reported record load factors each month this quarter, which translated into achieving both our highest ever quarterly load factor of 85.7 per cent, and flying an all-time quarterly record number of guests in our 21-year history," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "I want to sincerely thank our over 13,000 WestJetters for continuing to deliver our award-winning brand of friendly caring service as we transition through our shoulder period into the busy winter season."

September 2017 traffic results

In September, WestJet broke ground on its new $50 million hangar project at YYC Calgary International Airport that will support the airline's ongoing fleet expansion and growth of its Calgary hub. The hangar, once complete, will occupy 125,000 square feet, accommodate its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and stand eight stories tall.

Also in September, WestJet announced the name and logo for its ultra-low-cost airline (ULCC) in Canada. Named Swoop, the ULCC will begin selling flights in early 2018. Swoop will provide Canadians with a no-frills, lower-fare travel option backed by an airline with a proven track record of bringing lower fares to Canadians and an investment-grade credit rating. Sign up at FlySwoop.com to receive details on Swoop's job opportunities, launch plans and to learn more about Canada's newest airline.