Wikipedia

Flair Airlines

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Flair Airlines is a Canadian ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta.[8] The airline operates scheduled passenger and chartered services with a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. The company slogan is Plane and Simple. The airline promotes itself as being Canada's leading independent ULCC.[8][7]

Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the 2021 livery
IATA ICAO Call sign
F8[1] FLE[2] FLAIR[2]
FoundedAugust 19, 2005;
19 years ago (2005-08-19)
(as Flair Air)
Commenced operations2017; 7 years ago (2017)
(as Flair Airlines)
AOC #Canada: 14941[3]
United States: F8RF148F[4]
Operating bases
Fleet size20[5]
Destinations34[6]
HeadquartersEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
Key peopleStephen Jones (President and CEO)
Employees1,250 (Jan 2024)[7]
Websitewww.flyflair.com

History

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2005–2008

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Flair Air logo, 2005–2017

The airline began operations as a privately owned company on August 19, 2005, under the name Flair Air. In January 2006, Transport Canada authorised the airline to operate scheduled all-cargo services between Cuba and Canada, on behalf of Cubana de Aviación, until April 7, 2006. It also operated some passenger flights on behalf of Cubana. Flair Air operated two Boeing 727-200 aircraft, one for passenger movements and the other for freight services. During this period, Flair also began providing workforce transportation services to several natural resources and major construction companies across Canada.

2008–2019

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A former Flair Air Boeing 737-400 in the pre-2017 livery

Flair began adding Boeing 737-400s to its fleet in 2008 to replace the 727-200s. The airline continued to add these aircraft until delivery of a fifth aircraft in 2015. In January 2014, Flair acquired a VIP Embraer ERJ-175 and a VIP Dornier Do-328. Both were retired in September 2016. In June 2017, Flair announced it had purchased the assets of Manitoba-based discount travel company NewLeaf, of which it had been the operator of NewLeaf's flights, as it was not licensed as an airline.[9] Flair retained 85% of former NewLeaf staff in the acquisition,[10] and the NewLeaf brand was retired on July 25, 2017, with flights subsequently operated under the Flair name thereafter.[11][12]

In late 2017, Flair Air rebranded as Flair Airlines, in which it unveiled a new magenta and blue livery, acquired additional aircraft, and announced plans to add more in 2018 and 2019. Two more 737-400s arrived at the airline in December 2017. In 2018, Flair moved its headquarters from Kelowna International Airport to Edmonton International Airport,[13] and 777 Partners invested in Flair with the goal of building a Canadian low-fare carrier. In December 2018, Flair received three leased Boeing 737-800s. These were returned to lessor Smartwings in 2019 as a separately leased trio of 737-800s arrived at the airline.

2019 rebranding–present

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A Flair Airlines Boeing 737-800 in the 2019 livery

In February 2019, Flair went through a "top to bottom" makeover, changing its signature colours from purple and red to acid green and black. This reflected the airline's new "Plane and Simple" branding. The brand makeover included a new livery that remains on the airline's 737-800s. New flight attendant uniforms were also rolled out in September 2019.

In February 2020, Flair offered unlimited travel in the form of a one-time fee 90-day pass valid between February 13 and May 13, 2020.[14] In August 2020, Flair retired their final Boeing 737-400 aircraft in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[15]

In January 2021, Flair announced an order for 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets from financing partner 777 Partners, with plans to grow to 50 aircraft within 5 years. The first of these aircraft arrived in May 2021, with a total of 8 scheduled to arrive over the summer months. The remaining five were planned to arrive before 2022.[16] This order came at a crucial time for Boeing, as it restarted MAX operations following a months-long grounding of the type.[17] All future aircraft deliveries to Flair were to be painted in an updated livery, which includes the airline's signature acid green and black colours, as well as subtle highlights of light purple. In December 2021, Flair ordered an additional 14 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.[citation needed]

Regulatory concerns

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In March 2022, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) ruled that Flair may be in violation of the law that requires it to be controlled by Canadians, and stated that the airline's operating licence may be suspended. Flair denied that it was in violation of Canadian laws and asked for an 18-month exemption to address regulatory concerns.[18] Jones stated that the company would overhaul its board and refinance its debt to reduce foreign influence on the company.[19] The National Airlines Council of Canada, which represents Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet released a statement asking the CTA to reject Flair's request.[20] In a statement issued on April 21, Jones stated that the airline had a "zero chance" of losing its operating licence and criticised the lack of competition in the Canadian airline industry.[21] On June 1, 2022, the CTA allowed Flair to keep its operating licence after concluding the airline is Canadian.[22]

Passenger complaints

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According to the Canadian Transportation Agency, Flair had the highest number of complaints per 100 flights of the major airlines in Canada, averaging 15.3 complaints per 100 flights over the period of April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. In comparison, the largest two airlines in Canada, Air Canada and WestJet, had 4.3 and 6.6 complaints per 100 flights, respectively.[23]

The Canadian Transportation Agency again reported that Flair had the highest numbers of complaints in the first quarter of 2023, with 20.9 complaints per 100 flights. Low-cost leisure carrier Sunwing Airlines was second-worst with 17.4 complaints per 100 flights, while low-cost carrier Lynx Air registered 5.2 complaints per 100 flights over the same period.[24]

Aircraft seizures

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On March 11, 2023, Airborne Capital Ltd. seized four of its planes operated by Flair over alleged non-payment. In a press conference, Flair CEO Stephen Jones suggested the seizures were motivated by competitors, and that the airline owed around US$1 million on the leases, and was in the process of making payment when the seizures occurred.[25][26] The lessor, Airborne alleged that Flair had repeatedly missed payments amounting to several millions of dollars over a period of five months. Flair used other aircraft to continue to operate its schedule.[27] In January 2024, it was reported that the lessors had filed claims at the UK High Court for costs and that there had been outstanding payments of $1.8 million on the four aircraft when notice of default was served.[28]

Destinations

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Countries served by Flair Airlines as of September 2024[29][30]

This is a list of destinations that Flair Airlines has operated.[6] It includes destinations served after the airline began scheduled flights in 2017 following the acquisition of Canadian travel company NewLeaf, but does not include or specify destinations served by charter flights that the airline mainly operated between 2005 and 2017.

Destinations as of October 2024

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Country Province/state City Airport Notes Refs
Canada Alberta Calgary Calgary International Airport Base
Edmonton Edmonton International Airport Base
British Columbia Abbotsford Abbotsford International Airport
Kelowna Kelowna International Airport
Vancouver Vancouver International Airport Base
Victoria Victoria International Airport
Manitoba Winnipeg Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport Base
New Brunswick Saint John Saint John Airport Seasonal
Newfoundland and Labrador Deer Lake Deer Lake Regional Airport Seasonal [31]
St. John's St. John's International Airport Seasonal [32]
Nova Scotia Halifax Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Ontario Kitchener/
Waterloo		 Region of Waterloo International Airport Base [33]
London London International Airport [34]
Thunder Bay Thunder Bay International Airport [35][36]
Toronto Toronto Pearson International Airport Base
Windsor Windsor International Airport Seasonal [37]
Prince Edward Island Charlottetown Charlottetown Airport Seasonal
Quebec Montreal Montréal–Trudeau International Airport [38]
Quebec City Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport Seasonal [39]
Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport
Dominican Republic La Altagracia Punta Cana Punta Cana International Airport Seasonal [40]
Jamaica Surrey County Kingston Norman Manley International Airport
Mexico Baja California Sur San José del Cabo Los Cabos International Airport Seasonal [41][42]
Jalisco Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport
Puerto Vallarta Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport Seasonal [43][44]
Quintana Roo Cancún Cancún International Airport [45]
United
States		 Arizona Phoenix Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Seasonal [46]
California Los Angeles Los Angeles International Airport [47]
Palm Springs Palm Springs International Airport Seasonal [48]
San Francisco San Francisco International Airport [49]
Florida Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport [48]
Orlando Orlando International Airport Seasonal [50]
Nevada Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport [48]
New York New York City John F. Kennedy International Airport Seasonal [51]
Tennessee Nashville Nashville International Airport [49]

Terminated destinations

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Country Province/state) City Airport Notes Refs
Canada Alberta Fort McMurray Fort McMurray International Airport Terminated [52]
Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Airport Terminated [53]
British Columbia Comox Comox Valley Airport Terminated [54][55]
Kamloops Kamloops Airport Terminated
Prince George Prince George Airport Terminated
Ontario Hamilton John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Terminated [56]
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Terminated [57]
Saskatchewan Regina Regina International Airport Terminated [58][42]
United States Alaska Anchorage Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Terminated [41][42]
Arizona Phoenix/Mesa Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Terminated [48][46]
Tucson Tucson International Airport Terminated
 [59]
California Burbank Hollywood Burbank Airport Terminated [60][47]
Colorado Denver Denver International Airport Terminated
Florida Miami Miami International Airport Terminated [48]
Orlando/Sanford Orlando Sanford International Airport Terminated [50]
St. Petersburg St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport Terminated [48]
Illinois Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminated [51][42]

Charters

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Workforce transportation

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Between 2007 and 2010, Flair was the exclusive supplier of large aircraft to Shell Canada's project at Albian Sands where, at its peak, the airline was moving over 10,000 construction workers per month from 14 points across Canada into Shell's project site, north of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

On October 7, 2013, Flair announced a ten-year agreement with Shell Energy Canada to provide air charter transportation services within Canada. Flair provided logistics planning, passenger reservations, and third-party charter aircraft procurement through a new subsidiary called North Sands Air Services.[61]

Around the world tours

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In September 2010, Flair was approached by an Ontario-based tour company to operate a world tour program to 14 countries. Flair reconfigured one of its Boeing 737-400s from 158 economy class seats to 76 business class seats.

In 2011, Flair operated another world tour to 14 new destinations.

In October 2013, Flair operated a South American tour to 10 destinations.

Government charters

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Flair has provided ongoing personnel movement for the Department of National Defence and other departments of the Canadian federal government.

ACMI charters

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Flair also offers aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance or ACMI) charters which provide customers with a 'turn-key' aircraft package.

Passenger charters

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Flair used to operate flights on behalf of other Canadian airlines, such as Air Transat.[62]

Fleet

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Current fleet

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As of May 2024, Flair Airlines operates the following aircraft:[5]

Flair Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders[63] Passengers[8] Notes
Boeing 737-800 2 — 186
Boeing 737 MAX 8 18 — 189
Total 20 —

On March 11, 2023, the fleet size was reduced by four Boeing 737s (one 737-800 and three 737 MAX 8) due to seizure by the aircraft lessor.[25][64]

Former fleet

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A former Flair Airlines Boeing 737-400 in the 2017–2019 livery

Flair Airlines has previously operated the following aircraft types:[65]

Flair Airlines former fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired
Boeing 727-200 2 2005 2010
Boeing 737-400 8 2008 2020
Cessna 340 1 2009 2015
Dornier 328 1 2014 2016
Embraer 175 1 2014 2016

Cabin and services

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Flair's aircraft are configured with 186 or 189 economy class seats in a 3–3 layout. As a low-cost carrier, the airline charges additional fees for various services and amenities, including additional baggage allowances and in-flight catering.[8] Flair offers in-flight entertainment via Wi-Fi to mobile apps or web browsers; however, the airline does not offer in-flight internet access.

References

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  1. ^ "Airline and Location Code Search". International Air Transport Association.
  2. ^ a b "ICAO Designators for Canadian Aircraft Operating Agencies, Aeronautical Authorities and Services" (PDF). Nav Canada. May 4, 2023. p. 4. Retrieved February 26, 2023. Flair Airlines: FLE, FLAIR
  3. ^ Transport Canada (August 31, 2019), Civil Aviation Services (CAS) AOC. wwwapps.tc.gc.ca.
  4. ^ "Airline Certificate Information – Detail View". Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register: Quick Search Result for Flair Airlines". Transport Canada. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Where we fly". Flair Airlines. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Flair Airlines - Operational Metrics". Flair. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d "About". Flair Airlines. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  9. ^ "Flair Airlines purchases assets of no-frills flight service NewLeaf". CTV News Winnipeg. The Canadian Press. June 7, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  10. ^ Aumell, Christian (June 7, 2017). "Flair Airlines buys NewLeaf Travel to become one company". Global News. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  11. ^ "Airline turning over a 'NewLeaf' on anniversary". CTV News Winnipeg. July 25, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  12. ^ McNeil, Shane (July 25, 2017). "NewLeaf begins 'new chapter' with name change". BNN. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  13. ^ Bartko, Karen (June 19, 2018). "Flair Airlines moving headquarters from Kelowna to Edmonton". Global News.
  14. ^ "Flair Airlines introduces 90-day pass for unlimited spring flights". CTV News Calgary. February 5, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  15. ^ McMurtry, Ian (March 13, 2021). "777 Partners and Flair Airlines Confirmed for Boeing 737 MAX". AirlineGeeks.com. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  16. ^ Lampert, Allison (March 18, 2021). "Flair goes frugal as 737 MAX buyer plans European-style relaunch". Reuters. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
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  28. ^ "Lessors chase 777 Partners for $28m alleging non-payment for Flair 73…". January 10, 2024. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024.
  29. ^ "Where we fly". Flair Airlines. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  30. ^ "Flair Airlines Route Map". Flightconnections. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
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  35. ^ "Low-cost airline to begin offering flights out of Thunder Bay in June". CBC News. February 1, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
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  38. ^ Tomesco, Frédéric (March 30, 2021). "Ultra-low-cost airline Flair will offer several routes from Montreal". Montreal Gazette.
  39. ^ Raymond, Paul-Robert (November 29, 2022). "Flair Airlines ajoutera des liaisons vers Halifax et Edmonton à partir de Québec" [Flair Airlines will add connections to Halifax and Edmonton from Quebec]. Le Soleil (in French).
  40. ^ "FLAIR AIRLINES SCHEDULES PUNTA CANA LAUNCH IN NW23". AeroRoutes. May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  41. ^ a b "Flair Joins Calgarians in their Distaste for High Fares at YYC; Increases Schedule by Over 25% to Give Canadians More Options". Flair Airlines (Press release). Accesswire. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  42. ^ a b c d Liu, Jim (June 14, 2022). "Flair Airlines NS22 Network Adjustment Update - 12JUN22". AeroRoutes. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  43. ^ Gastón, Sena (May 5, 2022). "Flair to have flights to Puerto Vallarta from Edmonton and Vancouver". Aviacionline. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
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  45. ^ "Flair Airlines expands again with new service to Mexico". CBC News. November 16, 2021.
  46. ^ a b "Winter 2023 heats up with release of Flair Airlines Winter Schedule". Flair Airlines (Press release). Cision. March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  47. ^ a b "Flair Airlines Adds Affordable Non-Stop Sun Service Between Toronto and Cancun, Moves Los Angeles Service to LAX". Flair Airlines (Press release). Accesswire. August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  48. ^ a b c d e f "Flair Airlines Expands to the USA". Flair Airlines (Press release). GlobeNewswire News Room. December 17, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  49. ^ a b Karp, Aaron (October 21, 2020). "Canada's Flai Airlines To Add Denver, Nashville, SFO To Network". Routes. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  50. ^ a b "Flair expands winter schedule with more routes to Orlando". Pax News. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  51. ^ a b "Flair Airlines Launches to the Big Apple and the Windy City: New Service to New York City and Chicago". Yahoo News Canada. December 21, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  52. ^ "YMM Safely Expands Domestic Air Service with Flair Airlines". Fort McMurray International Airport. July 23, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  53. ^ Knull, Danielle (June 16, 2021). "Flair Airlines Announces Service to Grande Prairie". Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  54. ^ "Flair Airlines arriving at the Comox Valley Airport". Comox Valley Record. October 19, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  55. ^ Farrell, Terry (July 7, 2022). "Flair fails to catch on in Comox". Saanich News. Black Press Group Ltd. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  56. ^ "Flair Airlines leaving Hamilton's airport, will fly out of Toronto". Global News. August 3, 2018. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  57. ^ Sali, David (November 7, 2024). "Flair Airlines pulls out of Ottawa market, citing insufficient demand and 'high fees' – Ottawa Business Journal". Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  58. ^ "Flair Airlines grows schedule 33% in Canada and the U.S. with four new aircraft". Flair Airlines (Press release). GlobeNewswire. October 19, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  59. ^ "Flair Airlines Establishes Winter Base in Tucson Arizona, Bringing Non-Stop Sun at Affordable Prices to Underserved Canadian Markets". Flair Airlines (Press release). Yahoo! Finance. March 29, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  60. ^ "Flair now flying to Los Angeles / Burbank, CA". Travelweek. November 22, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  61. ^ "Shell Canada dissolves corporate aviation department". Skies Mag. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  62. ^ "The 'Mexican game': How Air Transat misled passengers and aviation officials". CBC News. May 31, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  63. ^ "Canada's Flair Airlines expects delivery delays". ch-aviation. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  64. ^ "WHY Airlines are STEALING each others Airplanes!". Mentour Pilot. April 6, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  65. ^ "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register: History Search Result". Transport Canada. August 28, 2013.
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