WestJet reported 2009 net income of C$98.2 million ($94 million), down 45% from C$178.5 million in 2008, and said it plans to reaccelerate growth this year after slowing annual capacity expansion to just 2.6% in 2009.

President and CEO Sean Durfy acknowledged that last year was "very challenging" owing to the recession, H1N1 and "enhanced airport security measures," but said he was "ecstatic" despite the profit decrease because the Calgary-based LCC achieved profitability in all four quarters to extend its streak of consecutive reporting periods in the black to 19.

He said WestJet made "significant strides" in addressing problems that developed following installation of the SabreSonic Customer Sales and Service reservation system in October(ATWOnline, Nov. 5, 2009), noting that "call center wait times are very close to pre-cutover levels." He pointed out that the new res system enables it to enter into partnerships with other airlines, including its planned codeshare pact with Southwest Airlines that the US LCC has pushed back (ATWOnline, May 27, 2009). "We're ready to go," he said, adding that it is up to SWA to set the agreement in motion.

WS took delivery of five 737NGs in the 2009 fourth quarter and a further 737-800 this month to bring its fleet to 87, all 737NGs. It will take a -700 by the end of the current quarter and three more NGs later in 2010. The additions are driving a ramp-up in capacity following last year's uncharacteristic low growth rate, with ASMs projected to rise 7% in the first quarter and 9%-10% for the full year. Challenged by analysts about whether the capacity increase is too large given the apparent slow pace of the economic recovery and WS's 2009 profit slide, Durfy responded, "You have to continue to grow airlines and we're going to do that."

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