CALGARY — Despite computer reservation glitches and a tough economy, WestJet notched its 19th consecutive quarter of profitability even as fourth quarter profit declined 52% to $20.2 million.

Profit for the full year 2009 fell 45% to $98.2 million.

“We are pleased to report that WestJet finished 2009 with its 19th consecutive quarter of profitability,” said WestJet president and CEO Sean Durfy. “Achieving four quarters of profitable results in a year that will be remembered as the world’s worst recession since the great depression is truly a testament to the ability of our WestJetters and our solid business model. The additional challenges of H1N1 and enhanced security measures made this an extremely difficult business environment for the airline industry. However, our WestJetters once again demonstrated that our company can deliver industry-leading financial results despite the pressures.”

The airline reported a fourth quarter operating margin of 6.3% compared to 9.6% in the same quarter of 2008. For the full year, WestJet achieved an operating margin of 9.2% compared to a 2008 margin of 11.5%.

Durfy also commented on the progress of WestJet’s new reservation system. “We have been working diligently to get our service levels back to our high standards. We are pleased to report that call centre wait times are very close to pre-cutover levels. We are grateful for the understanding that our guests have demonstrated. Our WestJetters are working very hard to put this disruption behind us.

“We are excited about the enhanced functionality that our new reservation system enables including additional opportunities for ancillary revenues and more seamless partnerships with other airlines.”

At the end of 2009, WestJet had a domestic market share of 38%, a gain of two percentage points from the end of 2008, Durfy said. He added that the target is to gain a point or two every year which could have the carrier matching Air Canada in 2014.

When Air Canada merged with Canadian Airlines International Ltd. in the 1990s, Air Canada had more than three quarters of the domestic market.