WestJet selects RBC and MasterCard for new travel rewards card
TORONTO/CALGARY, August 5, 2009 — WestJet announced
today it is teaming up with RBC Royal Bank and MasterCard
for the upcoming launch of its new travel rewards credit card.
The new co-branded card will allow guests to earn WestJet
rewards. More details on this program will be unveiled this
fall.
"We are extremely pleased to work with RBC and MasterCard,"
said Sean Durfy, WestJet President and CEO. "Our continued
profitable growth will be strongly complemented by two of
Canada's pre-eminent brands. We take enormous pride in working
with companies that share our values and respect for corporate
culture, and we look forward to a hugely successful relationship
with RBC and MasterCard."
The new WestJet credit card, to be issued by RBC with MasterCard,
will complement RBC's other travel rewards cards and appeal
to North American and Caribbean travellers who want to be
rewarded by their preferred airline.
"As a leading travel rewards card provider we want
to continue to meet the needs of all Canadian travellers,"
said Dave McKay, Group Head, Canadian Banking, RBC. "We're
thrilled to be chosen by WestJet, giving our clients who prefer
to fly primarily with WestJet even more choice."
In keeping with WestJet's flair for innovation, the new rewards
card will be the first MasterCard product offered by RBC in
Canada. This milestone is also expected to make RBC the first
Canadian bank to begin offering both MasterCard and other
credit card brands, which will benefit consumers with increased
choice and innovation.
"We are proud to extend MasterCard's convenient, secure
and innovative payment technologies to RBC and WestJet customers,"
said Kevin Stanton, President, MasterCard Canada. "Together,
MasterCard and its customers have continually leveraged MasterCard's
brand, technology, and acceptance strength to deliver high-quality
programs to consumers and businesses. The WestJet RBC MasterCard
is an example of how MasterCard works with its customers to
help Canadians get more from their purchases."
More detailed information about the new WestJet card will
be released when the card is launched in the fall of 2009.
Forward-looking statement
Certain information set forth in this press release, including information regarding WestJet's credit card launch with RBC and MasterCard and the timing for such an implementation, contain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available implementation plans, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, the ability to execute a definitive agreement with RBC, availability of technology and personnel, general economic conditions and other factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet's most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available through the Internet on WestJet's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. WestJet does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as is required by law.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled
service throughout its 66-city North American and Caribbean
network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures
in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, 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 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future
confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing
its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number
one choice for travelers.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries
operate under the master brand name of RBC. We are Canada's
largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization
and one of North America's leading diversified financial services
companies and among the largest banks in the world as measured
by market capitalization. We provide personal and commercial
banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate
and investment banking and transaction processing services
on a global basis. We employ approximately 80,000 full and
part-time employees who serve more than 18 million personal,
business, public sector and institutional clients through
offices in Canada, the U.S. and 53 other countries. For more
information, please visit www.rbc.com.
About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global
commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial
institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide.
As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops
and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21
billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading
analysis and consulting services to financial-institution
customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide
Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®,
Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses
in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information
go to www.mastercard.com.
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Media contact:
WestJet:
Robert Palmer - 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397) / ropalmer@westjet.com
RBC
Jacqui van der Jagt - 416 974-1756 / jacqui.vanderjagt@rbc.com
MasterCard Canada:
Julie Wilson - 416-365-5594 / Julie_Wilson@MasterCard.com
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