• Reports diluted EPS of $0.41 cents, up 36.7 per cent
• Achieves second best second quarter EPS in its 21 year history
• Attains its 49th consecutive profitable quarter
  Delivers a record second quarter load factor
• Flies a record 5.9 million guests in the second quarter
• Announces a normal course issuer bid

WestJet (TSX: WJA) today announced its second quarter results for 2017, with net earnings of $48.4 million, or $0.41 per fully diluted share, as compared with the net earnings of $36.7 million, or $0.30 per fully diluted share reported in the second quarter of 2016, up 32.0 per cent and 36.7 per cent, respectively. WestJet achieved its 49th consecutive quarter of profitability and flew a record 5.9 million guests. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 9.8 per cent, compared with the 10.0 per cent reported in the previous quarter.

"I am very pleased with the positive momentum we are seeing in our business as we reported second quarter earnings growth, margin expansion, double digit revenue growth, and for the second consecutive quarter positive year over year RASM growth. Clearly our business fundamentals are strong and we are confident that the strategic initiatives we are pursuing position us for continued profitable growth," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "These results are a great start to our November profit share, thanks to the commitment and passion of our more than 12,000 WestJetters who continue to deliver our brand of friendly caring service."

Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars)

Normal course issuer bid
Today, WestJet also announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange has accepted the airline's notice to make a normal course issuer bid for five per cent of the currently issued and outstanding shares.

Dividend declaration
On July 31, 2017, WestJet's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per common voting share and variable voting share for the third quarter of 2017, to be paid on September 29, 2017, to shareholders of record on September 13, 2017. All dividends paid by WestJet are, pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act, designated as eligible dividends, unless indicated otherwise. An eligible dividend paid to a Canadian resident is entitled to the enhanced dividend tax credit.