MONTREAL, Aug. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - For the month of July, Air Canada today
reported a record load system factor of 83.6 per cent on a consolidated basis
with Jazz (from which Air Canada purchases regional capacity), versus 83.0 per
cent in July 2008, an increase of 0.6 percentage points. System traffic
decreased 3.3 per cent on a capacity reduction of 4.1 per cent system wide.
"In July, Air Canada recorded a record system load factor for the month
of 83.6 per cent on a consolidated basis with Jazz," said Calin Rovinescu,
President and Chief Executive Officer. "This result, achieved despite
persistent weakness in the global economy, is attributable to our disciplined
approach to managing capacity, evidenced by the stable load factors across our
entire global network. It is also reflective of our commitment to revitalize
our distribution network, which is benefiting both Air Canada and our agency
partners. With our immediate goals for stabilizing the airline achieved, we
can now concentrate fully on securing our customers' loyalty and working
towards sustained profitability. Essential to this process are our employees,
who again last month demonstrated their dedication by delivering superior
service while safely transporting our customers. I commend them for their
efforts as together we continue to build a new Air Canada."
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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JULY YEAR-TO-DATE
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2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
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Traffic
(RPMs millions) 4,852 5,020 -3.3% 27,698 30,235 -8.4%
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Capacity
(ASMs millions) 5,802 6,048 -4.1% 34,359 37,035 -7.2%
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Load Factor 83.6% 83.0% +0.6 pts 80.6% 81.6% -1.0 pts
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RPMs 1,613 1,604 +0.6% 8,902 9,551 -6.8%
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Canada ASMs 2,023 2,033 -0.5% 11,212 11,859 -5.5%
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Load
Factor 79.7% 78.9% +0.8 pts 79.4% 80.5% -1.1 pts
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RPMs 616 679 -9.3% 4,372 4,960 -11.9%
U.S. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Trans- ASMs 786 878 -10.5% 5,781 6,413 -9.9%
border ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 78.4% 77.4% +1.0 pts 75.7% 77.3% -1.6 pts
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RPMs 1,465 1,374 +6.6% 6,946 7,231 -3.9%
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Atlantic ASMs 1,645 1,550 +6.1% 8,344 8,563 -2.6%
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Load
Factor 89.0% 88.6% +0.4 pts 83.2% 84.4% -1.2 pts
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RPMs 759 917 -17.2% 4,152 5,050 -17.8%
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Pacific ASMs 883 1,075 -17.9% 4,848 5,973 -18.8%
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Load
Factor 86.0% 85.3% +0.7 pts 85.6% 84.5% +1.1 pts
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RPMs 399 446 -10.5% 3,325 3,444 -3.5%
Latin ----------------------------------------------------------------
America ASMs 465 511 -9.0% 4,174 4,228 -1.3%
& Other ----------------------------------------------------------------
Load
Factor 85.8% 87.3% -1.5 pts 79.7% 81.5% -1.8 pts
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For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montréal), (514) 422-5788;
Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), (416) 263-5576; Angela Mah (Vancouver), (604)
270-5741; Internet: aircanada.com
