WestJet profit falls below estimates as Alberta economy weakens

Canada's WestJet Airlines Ltd reported a smaller-than-expected quarterly profit, hurt by its large exposure to Alberta, where the economy is weakening. Alberta, known for its oil-rich resources, has been hit by a near 70 percent plunge in oil prices since June 2014. Airlines in western Canada that were once blooming in the oil-rich region have been recording a significant decline in passenger traffic to and from and within Alberta, pushing WestJet to focus more on eastern Canada.