Air Canada reports record January traffic
MONTREAL, Feb. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - For the month of January, Air Canada today reported a record load factor of 78.1 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz, versus 77.9 per cent in January 2008, an increase of 0.2 percentage points. System traffic decreased 8.5 per cent on a capacity reduction of 8.8 per cent system wide. Air Canada mainline reported a load factor of 79.4 per cent in January 2009 compared to 78.7 per cent in January 2008; an increase of 0.7 percentage points. The mainline carrier flew 7.7 per cent fewer revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in January 2009 than in January 2008 on a capacity decrease of 8.5 per cent. Jazz, from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity, reported a load factor of 64.9 per cent, a decrease of 4.5 percentage points from 69.4 per cent in January 2008. Capacity decreased by 11.9 per cent from January 2008 and the carrier flew 17.7 per cent fewer RPMs than in the previous January. "For the month of January, Air Canada reported a record 78.1 per cent load factor, on a consolidated basis with Jazz," said Montie Brewer, President and Chief Executive Officer. "These strong results, following five consecutive years of record load factors, reflect effective capacity management as we continue to focus on ensuring our assets are efficiently utilized. With a new and refurbished fuel efficient fleet, industry-leading onboard product and an innovative revenue model with a proven track record of success, Air Canada is well positioned to manage through the challenges that the New Year will bring. I want to thank our employees for taking care of our customers during a month of challenging winter conditions." CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This disclosure may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, are subject to important risks and uncertainties and cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external factors and general uncertainties of the business. Results indicated in forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results due to a number of factors, including without limitation, energy prices, general industry, market, credit and economic conditions, currency exchange and interest rates, competition, war, terrorist acts, epidemic diseases, insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, the ability to reduce operating costs and secure financing, employee and labour relations, pension issues, supply issues, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties, as well as the factors (including assumptions) identified in Air Canada's public disclosure file and accessible through SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statements contained in this disclosure represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this disclosure and are subject to change after such date. Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.------------------------------------------------------------------------- AIR CANADA MAINLINE (Includes Jetz & Tier 3) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY YEAR-TO-DATE ------------------------------------------------------- 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Traffic (RPMs millions) 3,438 3,726 -7.7% 3,438 3,726 -7.7% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capacity (ASMs millions) 4,330 4,734 -8.5% 4,330 4,734 -8.5% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 79.4% 78.7% +0.7 pts 79.4% 78.7% +0.7 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 933 961 -2.9% 933 961 -2.9% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Canada ASMs 1,191 1,209 -1.5% 1,191 1,209 -1.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 78.3% 79.5% -1.2 pts 78.3% 79.5% -1.2 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 587 704 -16.6% 587 704 -16.6% U.S. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Trans- ASMs 755 942 -19.9% 755 942 -19.9% border ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 77.7% 74.7% +3.0 pts 77.7% 74.7% +3.0 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 732 811 -9.7% 732 811 -9.7% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Atlantic ASMs 963 1,059 -9.1% 963 1,059 -9.1% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 76.0% 76.6% -0.6 pts 76.0% 76.6% -0.6 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 538 647 -16.8% 538 647 -16.8% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ASMs 607 776 -21.8% 607 776 -21.8% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 88.6% 83.4% +5.2 pts 88.6% 83.4% +5.2 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 648 603 +7.5% 648 603 +7.5% Latin ---------------------------------------------------------------- America ASMs 814 748 +8.8% 814 748 +8.8% & Other ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 79.6% 80.6% -1.0 pts 79.6% 80.6% -1.0 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- AIR CANADA'S REGIONAL CAPACITY PROVIDER (JAZZ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY YEAR-TO-DATE ------------------------------------------------------- 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Traffic (RPMs millions) 275 334 -17.7% 275 334 -17.7% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capacity (ASMs millions) 424 481 -11.9% 424 481 -11.9% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 64.9% 69.4% -4.5 pts 64.9% 69.4% -4.5 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 192 254 -24.4% 192 254 -24.4% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Canada ASMs 275 350 -21.4% 275 350 -21.4% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 69.8% 72.6% -2.8 pts 69.8% 72.6% -2.8 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 83 80 +3.8% 83 80 +3.8% U.S. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Trans- ASMs 149 131 +13.7% 149 131 +13.7% border ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 55.7% 61.1% -5.4 pts 55.7% 61.1% -5.4 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED (AIR CANADA MAINLINE AND JAZZ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY YEAR-TO-DATE ------------------------------------------------------- 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Traffic (RPMs millions) 3,713 4,060 -8.5% 3,713 4,060 -8.5% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capacity (ASMs millions) 4,754 5,215 -8.8% 4,754 5,215 -8.8% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 78.1% 77.9% +0.2 pts 78.1% 77.9% +0.2 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 1,125 1,215 -7.4% 1,125 1,215 -7.4% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Canada ASMs 1,466 1,559 -6.0% 1,466 1,559 -6.0% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 76.7% 77.9% -1.2 pts 76.7% 77.9% -1.2 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 670 784 -14.5% 670 784 -14.5% U.S. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Trans- ASMs 904 1,073 -15.8% 904 1,073 -15.8% border ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 74.1% 73.1% +1.0 pts 74.1% 73.1% +1.0 pts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RPMs 1,918 2,061 -6.9% 1,918 2,016 -6.9% Interna- ---------------------------------------------------------------- tional ASMs 2,384 2,583 -7.7% 2,384 2,583 -7.7% ---------------------------------------------------------------- Load Factor 80.5% 79.8% +0.7 pts 80.5% 79.8% +0.7 pts -------------------------------------------------------------------------%SEDAR: 00001324EF
For further information:
For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montréal), (514) 422-5788; Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), (416) 263-5576; Angela Mah (Vancouver), (604) 270-5741; Internet: aircanada.com