WestJet Airlines Ltd (TSE : WJA) has just recorded their best ever third quarter. They had a profit of $52.8 million up from $30.3 in the same period of 2005. They are attributing the increased profits to improved cost efficiency with things from more fuel efficient airplanes, self serve kiosks and web check-ins. The average age for their fleet is only 2.3 years. This alone will help reduce all sorts of costs because of the major expenses involved in the maintenance of airplanes.  With newer airplanes also comes better service.  All the new airplanes have lcd screens built into the seats for entertaining trips.
Everytime I hear about airlines in the news they are always in financial trouble, but then they release news like this. With news of huge profits, I become skeptical. Why if they are making so much money do they constantly increase the prices of fares? They also add on fuel surcharges when the costs go up but then seem to forget to remove them when the fuel goes back down. I suppose they are a business and their main goal is to make money, but sometimes they should cut the consumers a break… How about a seat sale!!

Source – Calgary Sun