Passenger traffic aboard Calgary-based WestJet says has softened since Sept. 11’s terror attacks in the U.S., but the carrier says it is still “very pleased” with how it’s fared during turbulent times.

The no-frills airline released figures Wednesday saying revenue passenger miles were up nearly 44 per cent last month from the same period last year. Expanded and new routes boosted capacity by 50.1 per cent, however, resulting in a drop in WestJet’s load factor to 73 per cent from 76.2 per cent. Load factor is an industry term denoting how full a plane is.

“We are very pleased with our load factor for September considering the tragic events of Sept. 11,” WestJet president and CEO Clive Beddoe said in a statement. “However, this event and its ongoing implications has had a depressing effect on our yield.”

However, WestJet hasn’t followed the lead of other major carriers, which have responded to a sharp drop in passenger numbers by cutting capacity and announcing massive layoffs. WestJet also announced a new route this week – weekly-non-stop service between Kelowna, B.C., and Hamilton, Ont.

Also Wednesday, Air Canada - the nation’s largest airline – took aim at WestJet and Canada 3000 by launching its new discount carrier aimed at eastern Canada. Air Canada Tango is aimed at taking market share away from its two key rivals, which have been fighting to protect their niche as no-frills, low-cost operators.

With its highly visible yellow-and-purple jets, Tango by Air Canada will launch Nov. 1 with discounted service to eight Canadian cities including Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The airline will use a fleet of 13 Airbus A320 aircraft which were no longer needed for Air Canada’s mainstream services. All flights will pass through Toronto.

“Tango is targeted at those customers who, instead of a full service, mainline product, would like to buy simply a seat, and then add on, on a fee-basis, the extras that appeal to them, such as seat assignment, food and beverages, and audio-visual entertainment,” said Air Canada president and CEO Robert Milton.

Air Canada also says it intends to establish a different discount airline specifically targeting the western market – WestJet’s longtime home turf – with low-cost, short-haul service.