WJAFF - WestJet complies with Transport Canada decision to ground Boeing MAX fleet

Canada NewsWire

CALGARY, March 13, 2019

CALGARY, March 13, 2019 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced that it is complying with Transport Canada's decision to temporarily ground the Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The announcement was made by Transport Minister Marc Garneau this morning in Ottawa.

"We respect the decision made by Transport Canada and are in the process of grounding the 13 MAX aircraft in our fleet," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "This decision has an impact on the travel plans of our WestJet guests and we ask for understanding as we work to rebook all guests affected as quickly as possible."

WestJet has 162 aircraft or more than 92 per cent of its overall fleet that remain in service.  Guests can book with confidence knowing that WestJet continues to fly throughout the network with the safety of guests and employees at the forefront.

WestJet is contacting impacted guests to arrange for alternate travel plans.

Caution regarding forward-looking information

Certain information set forth in this news release is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on WestJet's current forecasts and strategy, the expected demand environment, the utilization of our fleet, the forward-curve for jet fuel price, the expected exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, length of time that Transport Canada's decision will remain in effect, any changes to Transport Canada's decision and/or its parameters and/or applicability, changes in guest demand, changes in fuel prices, delays in aircraft delivery, general economic conditions, competitive environment, ability to effectively implement and maintain critical systems, receipt of governmental and regulatory approvals, and other factors and risks described in WestJet's public reports and filings which are available under WestJet's profile at sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

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