Air Canada reports record May traffic

7 June 2007

Air Canada reported a record load factor for the mainline of 83.8 per cent in May 2007, the highest ever for the month. The mainline carrier flew 0.2 per cent fewer revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in May 2007 than in May 2006, according to preliminary traffic figures.

Capacity decreased by 1.0 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 83.8 per cent, compared to 83.2 per cent in May 2006; an increase of 0.6 percentage point.

Jazz, from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity, flew 19.8 per cent more RPMs in May 2007 than in May 2006, according to preliminary traffic figures. Capacity increased by 16.9 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 74.6 per cent, compared to 72.8 per cent in May 2006; an increase of 1.8 percentage points.

Year over year, system traffic on a consolidated basis for Air Canada and Jazz, rose 1.3 per cent on a capacity increase of 0.6 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 82.8 per cent; an increase of 0.5 percentage points.

“Air Canada achieved a record load factor of 83.8 per cent for the month of May. Traffic has remained strong, particularly in the domestic market where traffic was up five per cent and our load factor up nearly two per cent on a combined basis with Jazz. Our record load factor is also a testament to our disciplined approach to capacity growth in a buoyant travel market,” said Montie Brewer, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The ongoing deliveries of new and refurbished aircraft are enabling us to offer the latest amenities to our customers, who clearly like the new Air Canada. As well, our new revenue model, with à la carte pricing and multi-trip subscription flight pass products, makes it easy and affordable to fly with Air Canada. Finally, I would like to thank our employees who continue to earn our customers’ loyalty with the quality of our service, demonstrated by the fact we exceeded on-time performance and customer satisfaction objectives for May.” ——-