Canada 3000, which ceased operations in November, plans to relaunch in May as a smaller carrier. Founder and president Angus Kinnear is leading the rebirth, with a group of unidentified investors who have provided about C$100 million ($63 million) in backing.
The initial fleet will be 10 leased Airbus A319/A320s, down from 41 when grounded. Kinnear is negotiating with a number of its former leasing suppliers, including International Lease Finance and GATX.
Initially, Canada 3000 will operate in North America before expanding into Europe and other long-haul leisure destinations next year using Airbus A330s. About 1,200 former employees will be rehired.
Meanwhile, Air Canada is expanding its Tango discount carrier in eastern Canada, adding flights between Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and St. John's, Newfoundland. A second discount airline serving western Canada will be based in Calgary - the hub of its rival Westjet.
Source: Flight International
