Canada-based Flair Airlines is continuing with its agreesive growth plans. The airline recently launched flights from Ottawa in addition to announcing flights to Grande Prairie. However, instead of announcing new domestic services as it has in the past few weeks, this time, the carrier is taking a big step forward by launching flights to the United States. These flights, set to launch in October, are mainly targeted on Canadians wanting to get a holiday in the ‘Sun’ destinations during the colder and wetter months in the north.
Nonstop to the United States
Flair Airlines will launch flights from eight Canadian cities to six US destinations. The airline won’t serve every US destination from every Canadian city, but this is what the carrier has planned so far. These flights are scheduled to operate between 31st October 2021 and 26th March 2022.
While we normally see airlines announce new sets of routes based on the origin city, Flair’s recent announcement sorts their new services by destination:
Fort Lauderdale:
- Toronto
- Kitchener-Waterloo
- Ottawa
- Montreal
Las Vegas:
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Vancouver
- Abbotsford
- Calgary
Hollywood Burbank:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Calgary
Orlando Sanford:
- Toronto
- Kitchener-Waterloo
- Ottawa
- Montreal
- Halifax
Phoenix-Mesa:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Calgary
Palm Springs:
- Vancouver
Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines, said:
We want Canadians to hear us loud and clear, you don’t have to rack up debt or save for months to enjoy travel this winter. For years, Canadians have been over-paying for air travel to domestic and U.S destinations. Flair is here to ensure that Canadians are no longer taken advantage of and receive low prices for even better service. The fares to our new destinations ensure Canadians can easily enjoy travel this winter and spend some much-deserved time away exploring sunny new places.
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Made possible by the B737MAX
Flair Airlines is able to launch these new routes to the US at highly competitive prices due to its order of 13 Boeing B737MAX aircraft. These jets will be more efficient than the airline’s first three aircraft, which are all B737-800NG models. Additionally, the airline’s B737MAX are all whitetail aircraft.
These whitetails are almost certainly cancelled orders stemming from Boeing’s prolonged B737MAX crisis. With an oversupply of these type of airplanes at Boeing, we can suspect that Flair and its leasing partner were able to scoop up these B737MAXs at an attractive price. It remains to be seen how Canadian giants like Air Canada and WestJet react to Flair’s entry in the United States.
Statements from airports
Vancouver International Airport:
We are pleased to see Flair adding new routes out of YVR to exciting vacation destinations such as Burbank (California), Palm Springs (PSP), Mesa (Arizona) and Las Vegas (Nevada). As we see restrictions ease and passenger traffic increase these new routes will allow for more travel options once we are able to explore freely again. We commend Canada’s airlines for continuing to serve Canadians through the last year and a half and we are excited to see Flair expand their offer to provide unique travel experiences. YVR is ready to welcome all passengers back to the airport and will ensure the passenger journey through the airport is an effortless and safe one.
said Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development – Strategy, Vancouver International Airport
Calgary Airport Authority:
Congratulations to Flair on their new routes. We’re excited for our guests to get back up in the air again flying to the warm destinations of Phoenix, Burbank and Las Vegas. We’re ready to welcome guests back safely and we look forward to the added sunny winter options for Calgarians.
said Rob Palmer, Vice-President, Commercial, Strategy, and Chief Financial Officer, The Calgary Airport Authority
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport:
We are pleased to see that Flair has decided to increase its presence in Canada by enhancing its air service from YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Starting this fall, passengers will be able to benefit from a wide-range of options to popular sun destinations. This is good news for travellers – who we look forward to welcoming back to YUL – and it is another step in the recover of our industry and aviation activities.
said Stéphane Lapierre Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development, ADM Aéroports de Montreal
Region of Waterloo International Airport:
The increase in destinations will be an asset for the community. We are pleased with Flair Airlines’ commitment to providing affordable travel and connectivity across Canada, as well as the opportunities this provides for an economic recovery in terms of business and tourism in the Region of Waterloo.
commented Regional Chair Karen Redman
Ottawa International Airport Authority:
Flair’s YOW service expansion is a testament to their early success at our airport. As Canada’s Capital Region continues to rebuild from the devastating effects of COVID-19, not only are the residents of Ottawa-Gatineau ready to travel, we know that our destination is safe and attractive for visitors as well.
said Mark Laroche, President & CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority.
Abbotsford International Airport:
A new Flair Airlines route from Abbotsford International Airport to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas will help serve our growing community and our region. We know that as COVID-19 restrictions lift, the Abbotsford International Airport and its service providers will continue to be an economic driver for our community and the region, offering convenient and low cost flight options.
said Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford
Halifax International Airport Authority:
We are pleased with Flair’s plan to expand its upcoming winter season services with a new route between Halifax Stanfield and Orlando Sanford, Florida. As more of our community members are making travel plans, we’re excited by this new connection to the Sunshine State and look forward to offering direct U.S. and International air services again when the federal government restrictions on international flights to Canada are lifted.
said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority
McCarran International Airport – Las Vegas:
These new routes from Flair Airlines will significantly increase the opportunity for Canadians to experience Las Vegas. Historically, Las Vegas has been a top destination for travelers from across Canada and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to this world-class destination.
said Chris Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, McCarran International Airport.
Orlando Sanford International Airport:
We are excited that the recent completion of our new terminal modernization and expansion has accelerated our air service recruitment initiatives. We thank Flair Airlines for choosing SFB.
said Tom Green, Board Chairman, Sanford Airport Authority.
SFB Airport a safe, efficient, and cost effective alternative to MCO. Flair Air recognized these benefits and we appreciate their decision. We believe Canada will be a strong market through SFB Airport. These flights to several cities will make it attractive to Canadian visitors and the local residents wanting to experience all the great things Canada has to offer.
said Tom Nolan, A.A.E, President & CEO.
Palm Springs International Airport:
Canadians have long appreciated our year-round sunshine, world-class special events and relaxed desert lifestyle. We thank Flair Airlines for adding Palm Springs International Airport to their network and we look forward to a long relationship.
said Christy Holstege, Mayor.
Featured image by Global News
What do you think of Flair’s entry in the United States? How do you think will Air Canada and WestJet reach about this? Let me know in the comments section below.
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