WestJet adds sun trips on weak domestic demand

Calgary-based WestJet Airlines Ltd. plans to add flights to sun destinations because of continued soft demand for domestic flights, the airline said Wednesday.

The carrier said that by the end of March, it will devote up to 40 per cent of its capacity to serving the transborder market. It will focus on southern destinations, as a strong dollar encourages Canadians to vacation in the southern U.S. and the Caribbean.

"We're also seeing some great pricing from our partners in the hotel business and we're able to pass along some of those savings," CEO Sean Durfy said on a conference call.

The airline released fourth-quarter results Wednesday showing it managed to eke out its19th consecutive quarter without a loss, despite the worst economic downturn in decades.

Still, earnings and revenue were sharply lower from the fourth quarter of 2008.

Net earnings fell nearly 52 per cent to $20.2 million, or 14 cents per share, down from $42 million, or 33 cents per share. Revenue was down 7.4 per cent, to $570 million from $615.8 million.

"I still am seeing some softness domestically," said Durfy, "and we are still seeing tremendous pricing pressure in the industry."