MONTREAL, Sept. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - For the month of August, Air Canada
today reported a record system load factor of 86.8 per cent on a consolidated
basis with Jazz (from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity), versus
84.4 per cent in August 2008, an increase of 2.4 percentage points. System
traffic decreased 0.9 per cent on a capacity reduction of 3.6 per cent system
wide.
"In August, Air Canada recorded a record system load factor for the month
of 86.8 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz," said Ben Smith, Executive
Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "These record load factor
results, for the second consecutive month, combined with stable system traffic
year-over-year, reflect not only our ongoing disciplined approach to capacity
management, but also the strong response from our customers and travel trade
partners. Our initiatives over recent months to re-engage customers and travel
agents are clearly starting to pay off. With our major fleet refurbishment
program now complete, we remain focused on listening to our customers and
offering them a market leading product, schedule and Aeroplan loyalty program.
We will also continue to strategically redeploy capacity to pursue profitable
new revenue generation opportunities as we manage through the difficult
environment created by the ongoing effects of a weak global economy. The hard
work of our employees has been instrumental in earning the loyalty of our
customers, and I want to thank them for their dedication and professionalism
that is being recognized by the market's positive response."
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Air Canada's public communications may include written or oral
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, 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)
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AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE
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2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
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Traffic
(RPMs millions) 5,133 5,179 -0.9% 32,831 35,415 -7.3%
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Capacity
(ASMs millions) 5,917 6,135 -3.6% 40,276 43,171 -6.7%
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Load Factor 86.8% 84.4% +2.4 pts 81.5% 82.0% -0.5 pts
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RPMs 1,745 1,715 +1.7% 10,647 11,266 -5.5%
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Canada ASMs 2,046 2,105 -2.8% 13,258 13,964 -5.1%
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Load
Factor 85.3% 81.5% +3.8 pts 80.3% 80.7% -0.4 pts
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RPMs 638 693 -7.9% 5,011 5,653 -11.4%
U.S. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Trans- ASMs 790 881 -10.3% 6,571 7,294 -9.9%
border ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 80.8% 78.7% +2.1 pts 76.3% 77.5% -1.2 pts
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RPMs 1,521 1,402 +8.5% 8,468 8,633 -1.9%
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Atlantic ASMs 1,679 1,553 +8.1% 10,023 10,116 -0.9%
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Load
Factor 90.6% 90.3% +0.3 pts 84.5% 85.3% -0.8 pts
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RPMs 827 930 -11.1% 4,978 5,980 -16.8%
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Pacific ASMs 926 1,076 -13.9% 5,774 7,049 -18.1%
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Load
Factor 89.3% 86.4% +2.9 pts 86.2% 84.8% +1.4 pts
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RPMs 402 439 -8.4% 3,727 3,883 -4.0%
Latin ----------------------------------------------------------------
America ASMs 476 520 -8.3% 4,650 4,748 -2.1%
& Other ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 84.4% 84.4% 0.0 pts 80.2% 81.8% -1.6 pts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------%SEDAR: 00001324EF
For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montréal), (514) 422-5788;
Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), (416) 263-5576; Angela Mah (Vancouver), (604)
270-5741; Internet: aircanada.com
