Air Canada reports record October load factor
MONTREAL, Nov. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - For the month of October, Air Canada
today reported a load factor of 80.2 per cent on a consolidated basis with
Jazz, a record for the month, versus 78.6 per cent in October 2007, an
increase of 1.6 percentage points. System traffic decreased 3.9 per cent on a
capacity decrease of 5.9 per cent system wide.
Air Canada mainline reported a load factor of 81.2 per cent, also a
record for the month, compared to 79.1 per cent in October 2007; an increase
of 2.1 percentage points. The mainline carrier flew 4.0 per cent fewer revenue
passenger miles (RPMs) in October 2008 than in October 2007 on a capacity
decrease of 6.5 per cent, according to preliminary traffic figures.
Jazz, from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity, flew 3.3 per
cent fewer RPMs in October 2008 than in October 2007, according to preliminary
traffic figures. Capacity remained stable from October 2007, resulting in a
load factor of 71.6 per cent, compared to 74.0 per cent in October 2007; a
decrease of 2.4 percentage points.
"Air Canada reported a record load factor of 80.2 per cent for the month
of October, on a combined basis with Jazz," said Montie Brewer, President and
Chief Executive Officer. "These strong results reflect our disciplined
approach to capacity management that ensures capacity is adjusted effectively
to meet demand in a weakening North American market. I am particularly proud
of our employees who for the seventh consecutive month exceeded On-Time
Performance objectives for the month of October."
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, 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)
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OCTOBER YEAR-TO-DATE
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2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
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Traffic
(RPMs millions) 3,550 3,697 -4.0% 40,055 39,640 +1.0%
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Capacity
(ASMs millions) 4,371 4,675 -6.5% 48,533 48,434 +0.2%
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Load Factor 81.2% 79.1% +2.1 pts 82.5% 81.8% +0.7 pts
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RPMs 1,039 1,070 -2.9% 11,331 11,194 +1.2%
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Canada ASMs 1,275 1,335 -4.5% 13,938 13,701 +1.7%
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Load
Factor 81.5% 80.1% +1.4 pts 81.3% 81.7% -0.4 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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RPMs 468 578 -19.0% 5,819 6,361 -8.5%
U.S. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Trans- ASMs 584 747 -21.8% 7,338 8,046 -8.8%
border ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 80.1% 77.4% +2.7 pts 79.3% 79.1% +0.2 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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RPMs 1,007 1,010 -0.3% 10,908 10,859 +0.5%
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Atlantic ASMs 1,220 1,294 -5.7% 12,753 12,959 -1.6%
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Load
Factor 82.5% 78.1% +4.4 pts 85.5% 83.8% +1.7 pts
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RPMs 725 743 -2.4% 7,476 7,470 +0.1%
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Pacific ASMs 860 914 -5.9% 8,890 8,971 -0.9%
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Load
Factor 84.3% 81.3% +3.0 pts 84.1% 83.3% +0.8 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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RPMs 311 296 +5.1% 4,521 3,756 +20.4%
Latin ----------------------------------------------------------------
America ASMs 432 385 +12.2% 5,614 4,757 +18.0%
& Other ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 72.0% 76.9% -4.9 pts 80.5% 79.0% +1.5 pts
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AIR CANADA'S REGIONAL CAPACITY PROVIDER
(JAZZ)
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OCTOBER Year-To-Date
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2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
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Traffic
(RPMs millions) 350 362 -3.3% 3,511 3,602 -2.5%
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Capacity
(ASMs millions) 489 489 0.0% 4,818 4,829 -0.2%
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Load Factor 71.6% 74.0% -2.4 pts 72.9% 74.6% -1.7 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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RPMs 242 272 -11.0% 2,554 2,705 -5.6%
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Canada ASMs 318 354 -10.2% 3,345 3,516 -4.9%
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Load
Factor 76.1% 76.8% -0.7 pts 76.4% 76.9% -0.5 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
RPMs 108 90 +20.0% 957 897 +6.7%
U.S. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Trans- ASMs 171 135 +26.7% 1,473 1,313 +12.2%
border ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 63.2% 66.7% -3.5 pts 65.0% 68.3% -3.3 pts
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COMBINED
(AIR CANADA MAINLINE AND JAZZ)
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OCTOBER Year-To-Date
----------------------------------------------------------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
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Traffic
(RPMs millions) 3,900 4,059 -3.9% 43,566 43,242 +0.7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity
(ASMs millions) 4,860 5,164 -5.9% 53,351 53,263 +0.2%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load Factor 80.2% 78.6% +1.6 pts 81.7% 81.2% +0.5 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
RPMs 1,281 1,342 -4.5% 13,885 13,899 -0.1%
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Canada ASMs 1,593 1,689 -5.7% 17,283 17,217 +0.4%
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Load
Factor 80.4% 79.5% +0.9 pts 80.3% 80.7% -0.4 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
RPMs 576 668 -13.8% 6,776 7,258 -6.6%
U.S. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Trans- ASMs 755 882 -14.4% 8,811 9,359 -5.9%
border ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 76.3% 75.7% +0.6 pts 76.9% 77.6% -0.7 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
RPMs 2,043 2,049 -0.3% 22,905 22,085 +3.7%
Interna- ----------------------------------------------------------------
tional ASMs 2,512 2,593 -3.1% 27,257 26,687 +2.1%
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Load
Factor 81.3% 79.0% +2.3 pts 84.0% 82.8% +1.2 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; aircanada.com