WestJet Airlines has reported a dip in its load factor to 77.8% from 78.8% in January 2010 as it increased capacity by 11.2% from the year-prior period. Traffic rose 9.7%.
"We are encouraged by improved pricing and demand in the air travel market, as well as the growth of our business bookings," said WestJet chief executive Gregg Saretsky. "Our capacity additions continue to be absorbed and we are happy with our strong January load factor."
Porter said it increased capacity by 16.7% and traffic by 36.8% over January 2010. Load factor for the month rose to 51.7% from 44.1%.
"These numbers are a good beginning for what we anticipate will be another year of growth at Porter," said chief executive Robert Deluce. "The increase in load factor is encouraging during the traditionally slow first quarter when available seat miles are strategically reduced across our network compared to peak periods."
Porter will take delivery of four new Q400 turboprops in the second half of 2011, increasing its fleet to 24 aircraft.