News Releases

WestJet ranks number one in brand survey
Canada NewsWire
Canada

Airline ranked highest among airline peers for strong familiarity and quality guest experience

CALGARY, Oct. 7 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced that it was the highest ranked airline based on brand equity in a syndicated study conducted by Harris/Decima. The other airlines measured in the study were Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Porter Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

The EquiTrend Study, conducted in August 2010, is a national study and included interviews with more than 15,000 Canadians. The online study included 890 brands and a wide variety of categories, with each brand being rated by at least 1,000 Canadians. Brand equity was measured by rating familiarity with the company, the quality of service and their confidence to use the services.

"For WestJet to be ranked number one is a testament to our 7,900 WestJetters who remain committed to providing a world-class guest experience," said Bob Cummings, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Sales.

In addition to being the highest ranked airline, WestJet also rated in the top three per cent among all 890 brands in overall connection with customers. The overall connection category measured emotional connection to the brand, practical and aspirational fit with the brand, and a company's ability to deliver on brand expectations.

"I am particularly proud of our strong rating in the overall connection category," concluded Bob Cummings. "As WestJet enters a new chapter of growth, we will continue to be passionate in providing our guests with the same fun, friendly and caring service that has been the soul of WestJet over the past 14 years."

This latest recognition follows being named among Travel + Leisure magazine's top 10 domestic airlines for the second year in a row and the Airline Staff Service Excellence Award for North America, which WestJet received at the 2010 World Airline Awards in Hamburg, Germany.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 90 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 45 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet

Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at www.youtube.com/westjet

For further information: Media contact, Robert Palmer, Media Relations, Telephone: 1-888-WJ-4-NEWS (1-888-954-6397), Email: ropalmer@westjet.com