Profits take off at WestJet as fuel costs continue to drop

WestJet said Tuesday the amount of profit it made in the latest quarter rose nearly a fifth, as the carrier’s costs declined amid lower oil and jet fuel prices.

The Calgary-based airline said second-quarter profit rose to $61.6 million, up from $51.8 million in the same period a year ago. Total revenue at the airline rose 1.3 per cent to $942.0 million, up from $930.3 million last year.

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MORE: WestJet adds flights to Florida, Mexico and Costa Rica

The improved earnings and revenue picture is helping fuel a push by WestJet to introduce more routes to destinations abroad. WestJet has announced in recent weeks plans to open up new routes to Florida, Mexico, Costa Rica.

The carrier plans to begin service to London’s Gatwick airport by next spring, as well.