Swoop Responds to Growing Demand for Ultra-Low-Cost Travel

Airline announces fleet expansion and winter flying as new daily bookings return to pre-pandemic levels

CALGARY, AB, June 10, 2021 /CNW/ – Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, today released its expanded winter schedule including increased non-stop domestic service and the re-introduction of flights to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Following a sustained pattern of new daily bookings on par with pre-pandemic levels, the airline also announced it will proceed with planned fleet growth, inducting its tenth Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft into service this winter.  

The first Canadian airline to fully re-enter its entire fleet into service, Swoop will operate all nine of its aircraft domestically during peak summer. The airline’s winter schedule will provide travellers with ultra-low-cost flights across Canada, as well as to sun and fun destinations including Montego Bay in Jamaica, Las Vegas and Mesa/Phoenix in the U.S., and Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán in Mexico.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for travel this summer, most especially in provinces where vaccination and re-opening plans are on track and clearly outlined,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “With the release of our winter schedule, those who are planning further ahead or dreaming of a vacation abroad can find our always affordable flights and Getaway packages available for booking through April 2022.”

As the airline that always has deals on already affordable flights, Swoop will offer scheduled winter service to 14 destinations, with ultra-low fares starting from just $40 CAD ^† total price in the example of a one-way Abbotsford to Edmonton flight. The addition of a tenth aircraft in time for the winter flying season will allow Canada’s leading ULCC to add new routes, destinations, and frequencies in pace with demand.

“Consumer confidence is coming back, and the message is clear, Canadians are ready to start planning that long overdue trip,” continued Duncan. “When travellers are ready, we look forward to safely welcoming them back onboard our aircraft.”

Details of Swoop’s Winter 2021 Schedule and flights currently for sale:

Domestic Routes	Peak Season Frequency	Days of Week	Service start dates
Toronto – Edmonton	14x weekly	2x Daily	Already in Service
Toronto – Abbotsford	7x weekly	Daily	Jun 20
Toronto – Halifax	7x weekly	Daily	Jul 16
Toronto – Kelowna	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Toronto – Victoria	6x weekly	Daily, except Saturday	Jun 24
Hamilton – Edmonton	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Hamilton – Abbotsford	14x weekly	2x Daily	Already in Service
Hamilton – Halifax	4x weekly	Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun	Jun 24
Hamilton – Winnipeg	4x weekly	Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat	Already in Service
Hamilton – Kelowna	6x weekly	Daily, except Saturday	Jun 20
Edmonton – Abbotsford	14x weekly	2x Daily	Already in Service
Edmonton – Winnipeg	2x weekly	Mon, Fri	Nov 1
Edmonton – Victoria	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Winnipeg – Abbotsford	7x weekly	Daily	Already in Service
Winnipeg – Kelowna	3x weekly	Tue, Thu, Fri	Jun 24
Transborder Routes	Peak Season Frequency	Days of Week	Service start dates
Edmonton – Mesa/Phoenix	4x weekly	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat	Sept 17
Edmonton – Las Vegas	5x weekly	Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun	Sept 23
Toronto – Mesa	2x weekly	Tue, Thu	Nov 2
Winnipeg – Mesa/Phoenix	2x weekly	Mon, Fri	Nov 1
International Routes	Peak Season Frequency	Days of Week	Service start dates
Toronto – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Wed, Sun	Nov 3
Toronto – Cancun	4x weekly	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Sept 18
Toronto – Montego Bay	3x weekly	Tue, Thu, Sat	Sept 11
Hamilton – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Tue, Fri	Oct 5
Hamilton- Cancun	3x weekly	Mon, Wed, Sat	Oct 2
Hamilton – Montego Bay	1x weekly	Friday	Oct 15
Edmonton – Cancun	3x weekly	Mon, Wed, Sat	Oct 2
Edmonton-Puerto Vallarta	3x weekly	Tue, Fri, Sun	Oct 5
Edmonton – Mazatlán	2x weekly	Wed, Sat	Oct 23
Winnipeg – Cancun	3x weekly	Tue, Thu, Sun	Nov 7
Winnipeg – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Mon, Thu	Nov 4
Abbotsford – Puerto Vallarta	2x weekly	Wed, Sat	Nov 3

†One-way flight from Abbotsford (YXX) to Edmonton (YEG) when you book by June 20, for travel between October 31 – November 10, 2021.  Restrictions may apply, for full details see FlySwoop.com/deals.

To learn more about Swoop and find ultra-low fare flights, please visit FlySwoop.com.

About Swoop: Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.

Swoop’s modern fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity has safely carried more than 3 million travellers in three years of operation.

Flair Airlines Extends Domestic Schedule into 2022

The growing ULCC has released its Winter 2021/22 schedule for sale with fares starting from as low as $19

Edmonton, Alberta, May 27, 2021 – Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), has expanded its schedule with flights to domestic destinations now on sale until March 2022.  With 24 routes and over 650,000 seats on sale, Winter 2021/22 will be Flair’s biggest ever winter schedule.

The winter schedule is part of Flair’s expansion of service to bring low fare air travel to more Canadians. The airline has 13 new aircraft on order joining the fleet in 2021 and 2022.

“We understand how keen Canadians are to travel again and our winter schedule will provide affordable air travel options to help connect the many families and friends who have been apart for the past year,” says Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer. “With fares available from as low as $19 and new aircraft joining the fleet, Flair will continue its expansion into the winter season.”

Bookings are now available for travel through March 26, 2022.

https://flyflair.com/where-we-fly

Passengers through Victoria International Airport plummet to a tenth of 2019 numbers

From Saanich News – link to source story

The number of passengers through the Victoria International Airport has plummeted since COVID-19 hit. (Black Press Media file photo)

Only domestic flights allowed through YYJ in 2021

JANE SKRYPNEK | May. 6, 2021

Traffic through the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) took a nose dive in 2020 and has continued to descend into 2021.

Month over month, the number of passengers processed through the airport in March dropped from 163,795 in 2019, to 81,105 in 2020 to 16,900 in 2021. The lowest numbers were seen in April (4,261) and May 2020 (6,635) when the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to set in. In 2019, the same months saw 159,441 and 169,825 passengers, respectively.

By April 2020, international flights had been banned from YYJ, and by May transborder flights – between Canada and the U.S. – had been stopped as well. People were asked to stop all non-essential travel. In 2019, transborder and international flights made up 13.7 per cent of YYJ passengers’ travel.

So far in 2021, 18,396 passengers were through the airport in January, 13,388 in February and 16,900 in March. These numbers represent between a 79 and 86 per cent drop from 2020. During the same months, eight, six and three flight exposures were reported through Victoria, including YYJ and Harbour Air. In April, a record number of 13 monthly exposures has been reported.

READ ALSO: Indigenous man walks Greater Victoria to honour missing and murdered women and girls

The airport could see some bounce back starting this summer, though. Two discount airlines – Flair and Swoop – are introducing new direct domestic flights between Victoria and Calgary, Edmonton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto.

The latest projections from Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, suggest pandemic restrictions could begin to lift by mid-summer. The key, she said, is to have 75 per cent of adults with their first vaccine dose and 20 per cent with their second.

Regardless, 2021 is likely to finish as another record low year for airport traffic.

Transport Canada: Victoria airport’s absence from list won’t impact ability to handle international flights

From Vancouver Island Free Daily – link to source story

A spokesperson for Transport Canada has confirmed the absence of Victoria International Airport on a list of ‘international’ airports does not impact its ability to handle international flights. (Black Press Media File)

YYJ does not appear on a list of Canadian airport designated as international

WOLF DEPNER | Apr. 6, 2021

A spokesperson for Transport Canada says the absence of Victoria International Airport on a list of ‘international’ airports does not impact its ability to handle international flights.

“Not holding this official designation does not prevent the airport from receiving international flights, nor from using ‘international’ in their corporate name,” said Sau Sau Liu, senior communications advisor for Transport Canada.

She made that comment after the airport’s name did not appear among a list of 13 Canadian airports currently designated as international. The list itself appears in a circular released in late January.

Liu said the circular gives the listed airports confirmation that they meet the requirements to be designated as international airports in aeronautical publications, as per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Convention.

Airports are responsible for providing the necessary documents to correctly reflect their status in aeronautical publications, she said.

“A provision in the (circular) does not constitute an official change in status, but allows airports that are of the opinion that they meet all requirements for a designation as ‘International’ to make a request for approval to Transport Canada Civil Aviation,” said Liu.

Should the department receive the necessary documents, it would then assess the airport, she added.

The circular defines an international airport as an airport of “entry and departure for international commercial air traffic, where the formalities incident to customs, immigration, public health, animal and plant quarantine and similar procedures are carried out.”

Rod Hunchak, director of business development and community relations for the Victoria Airport Authority, said earlier that the airport is currently compiling the necessary documents to submit them by June 30.

He had predicted earlier that the airport won’t lose the designation, citing the presence of various services.

Swoop Expands Summer Schedule and Brings New Routes and More Ultra-Low Fares to British Columbia

Airline introduces Victoria as new destination and adds more routes to Kelowna for peak summer travel

VICTORIA, BC, March 31, 2021 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, announced an expansion to its summer schedule, bringing new routes and more ultra-low fares to British Columbia. The airline’s expanded summer operations will bring new service to Victoria and celebrates the return and addition of new routes from Kelowna. 

“Our summer schedule expansion is in response to strong advance sales and in anticipation of demand from Canada’s most price-conscious travellers as they look towards the accelerated pace of vaccine rollouts across the country,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “We are thrilled to be offering Canadians even more opportunities to connect with British Columbia’s vibrant West Coast and Okanagan region this summer.” 

The airline, which had previously postponed planned operations to Victoria in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now see an increase of flights and routes in three cities within British Columbia, ensuring that Canadians across the province have access to domestic air travel at an affordable price tag. Today’s announcement is the first of several to come for the airline as they intend to bring even more ultra-low-fares coast-to-coast. 

Swoop’s new service to Victoria will include flights from Toronto, ON and Edmonton, AB. In addition, beginning June 20, 2021, service to Kelowna will now be available from Hamilton, ON and once again from Winnipeg, MB. Full details of Swoop’s expanded service in British Columbia can be found below. 

Planned Network Service: New and Returning Routes   

Route	Frequency	Planned Start Date
Toronto – Victoria	Up to 6x weekly	May 20, 2021
Edmonton – Victoria	Up to 7x weekly	May 20, 2021
Hamilton – Kelowna	Up to 6x weekly	June 20, 2021
Winnipeg – Kelowna	Up to 3x weekly	June 20, 2021

Additional BC Network Service

Route	Frequency
Abbotsford – Edmonton	Up to 21x weekly
Abbotsford – Hamilton	Up to 7x weekly
Abbotsford – Toronto	Up to 7x weekly
Abbotsford – Winnipeg	Up to 7x weekly
Kelowna – Toronto	Up to 7x weekly

“As we continue to plan for recovery, our focus remains on ensuring the safe reopening of air travel within Canada,” continued Duncan. “When the time comes for a safe resumption of travel, it will be critical to ensure access to affordable travel exists within our borders and Swoop is strategically positioned to meet that need in British Columbia and across the country.”

Additional Quotes

“As the economy begins to reopen, we are pleased that Swoop recognizes Victoria as a destination that travellers will look forward to returning to or discovering the beauty and culture that Victoria and Vancouver Island has to offer for the first time.” Said Geoff Dickson, Victoria Airport Authority President and CEO. 

“Swoop’s commitment to Greater Victoria is welcome news – both as we recover from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond” said Paul Nursey, CEO – Destination Greater Victoria. “It goes without saying we are located on an island. Reliable transportation to and from the destination is vital to the success of our visitor economy. There are other benefits to a low-cost carrier like Swoop entering market as well. It means Greater Victoria becomes an option for visitors that might not have considered air travel without ultra-low cost carrier options. Increased competition amongst transportation providers means consumers have more choice for how they experience Greater Victoria.”

“We are proud to welcome Hamilton and Winnipeg non-stop to YLW this summer,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Swoop’s additional destinations will allow Canadians more direct options to the Okanagan this summer season.”

“Safe, reliable air service with direct, non-stop flights is essential to the recovery of the tourism industry and important contributor to our local and national economy. While we wait for interprovincial travel restrictions to lift, we hope Swoop customers from Hamilton, Winnipeg, Toronto, and surrounding areas will begin to plan their future trip to Kelowna and the Okanagan. We have incredible experiences for leisure and business visitors waiting to be enjoyed across all four seasons, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you here, soon.”  Lisanne Ballantyne, President & CEO, Tourism Kelowna

To learn more about Swoop’s visit  FlySwoop.com  or connect with Swoop on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

About Swoop   

About Swoop: Established in 2018, Swoop is Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, independently operated as part of the WestJet Group of companies, offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Swoop offers completely unbundled products and services, creating the unique opportunity for travellers to control their costs and customize their experience by purchasing only the extras they desire.  

Swoop operates a modern fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity. Flyswoop.com allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.    

WestJet leads domestic recovery with the addition of 11 new routes

---

Airline’s investments in Western Canada support travel and tourism in anticipation of summer demand 

CALGARY, AB, March 26, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced 11 new domestic routes across Western Canada. The routes will offer new nonstop service for 15 communities across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The enhancements follow an announcement made earlier in the week to return previously suspended service to Atlantic Canada and Quebec City.  

A message from WestJet President and CEO Ed Sims, on the airline’s commitment to Canada’s safe restart 

“As we look to the coming months with cautious optimism, we know our restart agenda will be pivotal to Canada’s economic recovery,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “Stimulating air travel benefits all Canadians and supports those hardest hit; with one in every 10 Canadian jobs tied to travel and tourism, the ripple effect benefits our whole country.”  

The new routes include service between Toronto (YYZ) and Comox (YQQ); between Ottawa (YOW) and Victoria (YYJ) and eight new routes connecting the prairie provinces to British Columbia tourism destinations, such as Regina (YQR) to Kelowna (YLW). Full schedule details and start dates are outlined below. 

“We are at an inflection point; one that is buoyed by the rollout of vaccines, months of learning how to take appropriate precautions, and a view to Canada’s beautiful summer months that allows us to spend more time outdoors,” continued Sims. “If Canadians were to shift two-thirds of their planned international-leisure travel spend towards domestic tourism, it would help sustain 150,000 jobs and accelerate recovery by one year, all while seeing what Canada has to offer.” 

New routes: 

Route	Frequency	Effective from
Toronto – Fort McMurray	2x weekly (Wed, Sun)	June 6, 2021
Kelowna – Saskatoon	2x weekly (Thu, Sun)	June 24, 2021
Kelowna – Regina	2x weekly (Thu, Sun)	June 24, 2021
Saskatoon – Victoria	2x weekly (Thu, Sun)	June 24, 2021
Winnipeg – Victoria	3x weekly (Thu, Sat, Sun)	June 24, 2021
Edmonton – Kamloops	2x weekly (Thu, Sun)	June 24, 2021
Edmonton – Penticton	2x weekly (Thu, Sun)	June 24, 2021
Edmonton – Nanaimo	2x weekly (Fri, Sun)	June 25, 2021
Prince George – Abbotsford	2x weekly (Fri, Sun)	June 25, 2021
Ottawa – Victoria	1x weekly (Sat)	June 26, 2021
Toronto – Comox	1x weekly (Sat)	June 26, 2021

About WestJet 

In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

Victoria International Airport does not appear on list of international airports in Canada

From Saanich News – link to source story

Transport Canada does not list Victoria International Airport as an internationally designated airport, but one official says the airport is not about to lose that designation. (Black Press Media File)

Airport official says YYJ is not about to lose international designation

WOLF DEPNER, Peninsula News Review | Mar. 18, 2021

An official speaking for the Victoria Airport Authority said Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is not about to lose designation as an ‘international’ airport as defined by an international organization.

Rod Hunchak, director of business development and community relations for the Victoria Airport Authority, confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the airport does not appear among a list of 13 Canadian airports currently designated as international.

But this absence appears to be temporary and does not impact the airport’s ability to handle international flights.

“The short answer is no – we’re not about to lose our international status but I’ll give you a better response afterwards,” said Hunchak Tuesday morning after an advisory circular signed by Félix Meunier, director of standards for civil aviation with Transport Canada, made the rounds through media.

The advisory dated Jan. 26 is described as a document guiding airports seeking ‘international’ designation in accordance with all applicable domestic and international requirements. The document does not offer any rationale for not including YYJ and the Peninsula News Review has reached out to Transport Canada for comment.

Hunchak said later that the airport authority has been aware of the circular for some time, adding the authority is working with Transport Canada to get a better standing of the circular’s intent.

“Our additional understanding is that Transport Canada had enough information from those 13 airports that are included to actually designate them,” he said. “There are a lot of other airports in Canada, which receive international flights — and Victoria is included in that — not on the list.”

Hunchak said airports not initially found on the list have until June 30 to submit a request for designation. “As long as we identify that we meet the criteria, we would continue to be identified in these aeronautical publications as an international airport, according to the ICAO definition.”

These criteria concern the presence of certain services (like customs among others) — which the airport has, said Hunchak.

The document defines an international airport as an airport of “entry and departure for international commercial air traffic, where the formalities incident to customs, immigration, public health, animal and plant quarantine and similar procedures are carried out.”

Hunchak said earlier the airport is currently compiling the necessary documents to submit them by June 30.

While Victoria International Airport is not among the four designated Canadian airports handling international flights, the airport has had international and trans-border flights for many years, said Hunchak. “We continue to do so,” he said.

In the past, the airport has offered regularly scheduled flights to the United States as well as seasonal flights to Mexico, which Hunchak hopes will return once airlines have announced their schedules.

Menzies Aviation supports WestJet at five new stations in British Columbia

03/02/21 – Menzies Aviation is further developing its relationship with Canada’s WestJet with the announcement of a new contract to offer guest services at five new stations in the Western province of British Columbia.

Menzies already works with WestJet at Toronto, one of WestJet’s largest hubs, and other airports around the world and is now supporting their business and operations at Victoria (YYJ), Nanaimo (YCD), Comox (YQQ), Abbotsford (YXX), and Kamloops (YKA).

James Wong, Vice-President, Sales – Canada & Caribbean said: “We are currently servicing WestJet at one of their largest hubs in Toronto and various airports globally. The addition of the Canadian western stations is a testament to the ongoing trust in delivering an exceptional experience to WestJet guests. We  look forward to further developing our global relationship and the opportunity to offer our services to the aviation community in Western Canada..”

Robert Antoniuk, WestJet Vice-President, Airports said: “For more than 15 years Menzies has partnered with us to provide safe and caring service to millions of WestJet guests. Our long-standing relationship alongside Menzies’ alignment with our service culture are two key reasons we selected them as our service partner for these Western Canadian airports. We look forward to a continued healthy partnership.”

Blind spot leaves Victoria airport’s new $4.3-million taxiway extension unusable

From Saanich News – link to source story

A recently finished $4.3-million taxiway extension at the Victoria International Airport (not pictured) is unusable because of a blind spot. (Black Press Media file photo)

Solution has been put on hold by COVID-19 pandemic, says airport authority

NINA GROSSMAN | Mar. 4, 2021

A $4.3-million taxiway extension at the Victoria International Airport is currently sitting unused due to a blind spot.

Completed in fall 2019, the Taxi Echo East project expanded the taxiway by roughly 366 metres – a solution for the current system, which requires pilots to taxi jets down the runway and complete a U-turn in order to position themselves for take-off.

Airport consultative committee meeting minutes from March 2019 detail how the taxiway extension, done in partnership with Canada’s air navigation service provider Nav Canada, was supposed to improve safety by removing access and departure points to the threshold of the runways.

The new design was also intended to improve utilization and fuel consumption for air carriers. Roughly 38,000 cubic metres of soil was removed and stockpiled during construction.

But the extension is located in a blind spot for the airport’s control tower, and therefore unusable.

READ ALSO: Victoria airport to spend $19.4M on terminal expansion

Geoff Dickson, CEO of the Victoria International Airport Authority, said there was an indication that the control tower would be moved, but that hasn’t happened.

“At the time there was consideration with Nav Canada of relocating the control tower to the other side of the airport,” he said, adding possible solutions have been presented by both parties.

“There has been no resolution or agreement overall on that.”

In an email, Nav Canada said it continues to work with the Victoria airport on the taxiway project to “enhance operational efficiencies” but “given the shifting priorities of the pandemic this project is temporarily on hold.”

CCTV cameras have been discussed as a short-term solution, Dickson said. But costs haven’t been provided and forward momentum is on hold.

The airport industry has been decimated financially by the virus, he added.

“It’s really all about the pandemic,” Dickson said. “With completion in the fall, it would have been good to have full agreement on what a long-term or interim solution would look like.”

The Taxi Echo East project was completed after the airport announced a $19.4-million terminal expansion in February 2018. The 27-month plan included a departure lounge expansion, dedicated aircraft gates, covered walkways, new washrooms and additional space for retail and food services.

Flair Airlines expands with eight new destinations across Canada

ULCC to bring low fare air travel to 18 cities by August, filling voids left by legacy carriers and ensuring affordable travel options are available for Canadians

February 10, 2021 06:00 ET | Source: Flair Airlines

Edmonton, Alberta, Feb. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), is expanding service and will bring low fare air travel to 18 Canadian destinations by summer. Service to four of the new destinations will begin in May with more added in the coming months as non-essential travel within Canada safely restarts.

Flair’s ambitious expansion focuses first on growing its domestic network. Flair’s network will expand beginning on May 1^st as service is added to Ottawa, ON; Kitchener-Waterloo, ON; Halifax, NS; and Saint John, NB. Flair will add service in June to Thunder Bay, ON; and Charlottetown, PE; in July to Victoria, BC; and in August to Abbotsford, BC.

“Canadians have been paying too much for too long, and we are changing that with our ULCC model that makes getting around Canada affordable,” says Stephen Jones, President & CEO. “Providing affordable air travel within Canada is the first step in restarting travel and tourism, and Flair is uniquely positioned with the efficiencies of our low-cost model. When non-essential travel returns, Flair will be there to reconnect families and provide the low fares that have long been denied to Canadians.”

Flair anticipates tourism and travel to begin restarting in the Spring and Summer, and the focus on domestic service in 2021 enables the ULCC to provide more low fare options across Canada.

“We strongly support the need for restricting non-essential travel as Canada works to bend the curve. Flair was one of the first airlines to reduce our network and focus exclusively on essential domestic travel,” says Jones. “We are confident, as travel returns, there is a strong market for low fare travel choices from a socially responsible Canadian airline. Flair’s ULCC business model doesn’t have the overhead and costs associated with legacy organizations and networks, and this allows our efficiencies to be passed along in our pricing.”

Canadian airport partners are excited for Flair’s ULCC service to be coming to their communities:

“We’re delighted that Flair Airlines has selected Saint John as their exclusive New Brunswick destination,” says Saint John Airport President and CEO, Derrick Stanford. “We’re dedicated to finding Saint John travellers the best possible value and options, and with Flair’s unique pricing model almost anyone can afford to fly to more places than ever before.”
                                   – Derrick Stanford, President & CEO, Saint John Airport

“We are pleased to welcome Flair Airlines to the Region of Waterloo International Airport. Once pandemic restrictions are lifted, the addition of Flair’s services will provide further connectivity to other economic hubs, create local jobs, build partnerships and help support the recovery of the local economy.”
                                   – Karen Redman, Regional Chair, Region of Waterloo

 “EIA is proud to be Flair’s home base and it’s exciting to see these growth plans that will benefit our community. We’re confident there’s a bright future for aviation and travel in our market, and low-cost airlines such as Flair are part of that. We will always put the health and safety of passengers and Canadians first, and with our EIA Ready program, we’re committed to a clean and safe travel experience when the time is right.”
                                     – Tom Ruth, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport

“Canadians have been separated from their families and friends throughout the pandemic and we are confident there will be demand for a variety of flight options when non-essential air travel resumes. We look forward to welcoming Flair back to Halifax Stanfield, increasing choices for our community members to reconnect when the time is right. With our Stay Healthy measures in place throughout the airport, we’re ready to support passengers on their next journey.”
                                  – Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority 

Flair is poised to show Canadians the real benefits which other areas of the world have experienced with ULCC service. One-way fares on several of the new routes start as low as $39. In addition, Flair provides complimentary COVID Coverage, allowing passengers to easily change their travel plans given the continued uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Bookings are now available for the newly announced routes for May through October 30, 2021, at flyflair.com.

Flair Airlines Service (May 1, 2021 – October 30, 2021)

• YKF-YEG, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YKF-YHZ, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, W, F
• YKF-YVR, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, T, W, F
• YKF-YWG, starting 02-Jul-21, Frequency: M, W, F, Su
• YKF-YYC, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YKF-YYJ, starting 02-Jul-21, Frequency: Tu, Th, Sa
• YYZ-YEG, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YYZ-YHZ, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: Tu, Sa
• YYZ-YLW, starting 02-Jun-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YYZ-YMM, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YYZ-YOW, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: M, W, Th, F, Sa, Su
• YYZ-YQR, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YYZ-YQT, starting 03-Jun-21, Frequency: Tu, Th, Sa
• YYZ-YSJ, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: Tu, Sa
• YYZ-YVR, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: M, Tu, Th, F, Su
• YYZ-YWG, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YYZ-YXE, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YYZ-YXX, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: M, Tu, Th, F, Sa, Su
• YYZ-YYC, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, W, F
• YYZ-YYG, starting 04-Jun-21, Frequency: M, F
• YHZ-YKF, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, Tu, F
• YHZ-YOW, starting 01-Jun-21, Frequency: Daily
• YHZ-YYZ, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: Tu, Sa
• YEG-YKF, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YEG-YLW, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YEG-YOW, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YEG-YVR, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: Tu, W, Th, Sa, Su
• YEG-YXS, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YEG-YXX, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: M, W, Th, F, Sa, Su
• YEG-YYZ, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YEG-YYJ, starting 04-Aug-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YYC-YKF, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YYC-YOW, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: M, Sa
• YYC-YVR, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Th, Sa, Su
• YYC-YWG, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YYC-YXX, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: Daily
• YYC-YYZ, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, W, F,
• YYC-YYJ, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YLW-YEG, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YLW-YYZ, starting 02-Jun-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YOW-YEG, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YOW-YHZ, starting 01-Jun-21, Frequency: Daily
• YOW-YVR, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: W, Th, F, Su
• YOW-YWG, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YOW-YYC, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: M, Sa
• YOW-YYZ, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: M, W, Th, F, Sa, Su
• YOW-YXX, starting 02-Aug-21, Frequency: M, Th, F
• YVR-YEG, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: Tu, W, Th, Sa, Su
• YVR-YKF, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, Tu, W, F
• YVR-YMM, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa,
• YVR-YOW, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: W, Th, Sa, Su
• YVR-YQR, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YVR-YWG, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YVR-YXE, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YVR-YXS, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YVR-YYC, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Th, Sa, Su
• YVR-YYZ, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, Tu, Th, F, Su
• YXS-YEG, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YXS-YVR, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YMM-YVR, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YMM-YYZ, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YWG-YKF, starting 02-Jul-21, Frequency: M, W, F, Su
• YWG-YOW, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YWG-YVR, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YWG-YYC, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YWG-YYZ, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YWG-YXX, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: Tu, Th, Su
• YQR-YVR, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YQR-YYZ, starting 02-May-21, Frequency: Th, Su
• YSJ-YYZ, starting 01-May-21, Frequency: Tu, Sa
• YXE-YVR, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YXE-YYZ, starting 03-May-21, Frequency: M, F
• YQT-YYZ, starting 03-Jun-21, Frequency: Tu, Th, Sa
• YYG-YYZ, starting 04-Jun-21, Frequency: M, F
• YXX-YEG, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: M, W, Th, F, Sa, Su
• YXX-YYC, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: Daily
• YXX-YYZ, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: M, Tu, Th, F, Sa, Su
• YXX-YOW, starting 02-Aug-21, Frequency: M, W, F
• YXX-YWG, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: Tu, Th, Su
• YYJ-YKF, starting 02-Jul-21, Frequency: Tu, Th, Sa
• YYJ-YEG, starting 04-Aug-21, Frequency: W, Sa
• YYJ-YYC, starting 01-Aug-21, Frequency: Th, Su

Schedule notes:

– Some routes are active prior to May 1, 2021.
– Frequency of service displayed reflects the start of the scheduled route and the frequency on some routes will change as additional service begins. Check specific travel dates at flyflair.com.