AIR CANADA REPORTS NOVEMBER TRAFFIC

MONTREAL, Dec. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - For the month of November, Air Canada reported a system load factor of 74.8 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz (from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity), versus 74.7 per cent in November 2009, an increase of 0.1 percentage points.  System traffic increased 7.5 per cent on a system wide capacity increase of 7.3 per cent. This load factor was achieved against a 7.3 per cent capacity increase driven by higher aircraft utilization. 

"I am pleased to report a load factor of 74.8 per cent for the month of November, on a consolidated basis with Jazz, especially as this was achieved while capacity was increased through more efficient aircraft utilization" said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Led by over 19 per cent traffic growth in the Pacific, we recorded an increase in traffic in all markets we serve - the eleventh consecutive month of year-over-year traffic increases - for a system wide traffic increase of 7.5 per cent.  This solid result produced in the traditionally slower off-peak travel season reflects our employees' commitment to deliver an award-winning product that is earning our customers' loyalty.  I thank our employees throughout the company whose hard work has once again been recognized by the readers of Global Traveler magazine who recently voted Air Canada as Best Airline in North America." 

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Air Canada's public communications may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties.  Any forecasts or forward-looking predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business.  Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, industry, market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and secure financing, pension issues, energy prices, currency exchange and interest rates, employee and labour relations, competition, war, terrorist acts, epidemic diseases, environmental factors (including weather systems and other natural phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions, and factors arising from man-made sources), insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties as well as the factors identified throughout Air Canada's public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com.  The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date.  However, 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.

              

CONSOLIDATED
(Air Canada Mainline and Jazz)
  November Year-To-Date
    2010     2009     Change     2010     2009     Change  
Traffic (RPMs mln) 3,417 3,180 +7.5% 47,743 44,029 +8.4%
Capacity (ASMs mln) 4,569 4,257 +7.3% 58,385 54,595 +6.9%
Load Factor 74.8% 74.7% +0.1 pts 81.8% 80.6% +1.2 pts
               
Canada RPMs 1,094 1,073 +2.0% 14,584 14,315 +1.9%

ASMs

1,375 1,381 -0.4% 18,077 17,914 +0.9%
LF 79.6% 77.7% +1.9 pts 80.7% 79.9% +0.8 pts
               
US Transborder RPMs 586 519 +12.9% 7,175 6,579 +9.1%

ASMs

802 728 +10.2% 9,462 8,761 +8.0%
LF 73.1% 71.3% +1.8 pts 75.8% 75.1% +0.7 pts
               
Atlantic RPMs 693 681 +1.8% 12,329 11,490 +7.3%

ASMs

1,034 998 +3.6% 14,861 13,821 +7.5%
LF 67.0% 68.2% - 1.2 pts 83.0% 83.1% - 0.1 pts
               
Pacific RPMs 655 549 +19.3% 8,429 6,900 +22.2%

ASMs

857 669 +28.1% 9,546 8,100 +17.9%
LF 76.4% 82.1% - 5.7 pts 88.3% 85.2% +3.1 pts
               
Latin Amer & Other RPMs 389 358 +8.7% 5,226 4,745 +10.1%

ASMs

501 481 +4.2% 6,439 5,999 +7.3%
LF 77.6% 74.4% +3.2 pts 81.2% 79.1% +2.1 pts

 


For further information:
Isabelle Arthur (Montréal)   514 422-5788
Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto)   416 263-5576
Angela Mah (Vancouver)   604 270-5741